Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed John Hayes to a key role in the Home Office.
Three days after retaining his South Holland and The Deepings seat, Mr Hayes was made Minister of State (Minister for Security) in the new Conservative government.
His role, working under Home Secretary Theresa May, includes responsibility for international counter-terrorism, counter-terrorism operations, space, maritime and aviation security, and serious organised crime.
He said: “I’ll be looking at national security and dealing with some very significant, very sensitive and vitally important material.
“I’m very flattered that the Prime Minister has given me this responsibility.
“It’s a big step up for me in Whitehall. The Treasury, Home Office and Foreign Office are the three most important government departments and I’m delighted to be number two in the Home Office.
“It’s an incredibly important role dealing with national security and I’ll be working with GCHQ, MI6, MI5, the Met Police and others.
“The work will cross national boundaries.
“I think the appointment is a reflection of the faith which the Prime Minister has in me and my close working relationship with him.
“It’s an incredible opportunity and will be both challenging and very exciting.”
The Home Office will be the sixth government department in which Mr Hayes has worked.
From last July he served as Minister for Transport and as senior Parliamentary adviser to Mr Cameron.
Now into his 19th year as MP, the Moulton resident (56) is not looking too far ahead with his political path.
“If the people still want me then I will continue,” he said. “It doesn’t pay to predict your own longevity, but I’ve got a lot of energy and I’ve got a lot to do for local people.”
He was returned as MP with a marginally larger share of the vote, but a decreased majority of 38 per cent.
