WINCHESTER and Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine has taken the first step onto the ministerial ladder.

Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed Mr Brine Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Mike Penning, Minister of State of the Department for Work & Pensions and also Minister for Disabled People.

Mr Brine said today: “It was very nice to be asked and I am really looking forward to working at the heart of one of the biggest Government departments on one of the coalition’s most ambitious reform programmes.

“My focus will remain on my constituency work and I hope this new role will allow me to provide an even stronger voice for the area inside Government,” he added.