Government scraps the minister for Portsmouth role

PORTSMOUTH will no longer have a minister for the city, the government has officially confirmed.
City council boss Donna Jones with the last minister for Portsmouth, Mark Francois   PHOTO: Sarah StandingCity council boss Donna Jones with the last minister for Portsmouth, Mark Francois   PHOTO: Sarah Standing
City council boss Donna Jones with the last minister for Portsmouth, Mark Francois PHOTO: Sarah Standing

After weeks of speculation the Department for Communities and Local Government yesterday said it was axing the role.

It comes after The News revealed that city council boss Donna Jones said she would welcome the role being scrapped following the departure of former minister, Mark Francois.

The position was created in a bid to bring jobs to the city after BAE Systems closed its shipbuilding division from in 2013.

It helped to secure £6.5m funding for Land Rover BAR’s HQ.