Walsall North MP, Eddie Hughes, is taking up the role of Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government it has been announced today. Eddie will be supporting Ministers in their role delivering the housing policies the country desperately needs.
Eddie brings with him the experience of serving on the board of whg, a housing association in Walsall, most recently as Board Chair, and his previous role as deputy chief executive of YMCA Birmingham. Eddie is also a long-term member of the Chartered Institute of Building spending most of his professional career working in construction and housing having started as a civil engineer. As a result of taking on the role Eddie has stepped down as Chair of whg with immediate effect.
Eddie has been working hard to put Walsall North on the map in Westminster over the last twelve months and the new role will allow Eddie to further champion Walsall and the Black Country to the Government.
The role of PPS is not paid and is not a role within the Government. Therefore, Eddie retains the independence and strong voice for Bloxwich, Willenhall and Walsall North which he is known for in Parliament. The time commitment won’t require any additional time away from the constituency, so Eddie will continue to spend as much time as possible in Willenhall and Bloxwich - holding regular surgeries, visits and meetings – as well as campaigning in the constituency.
Eddie said: “Twelve months on from the general election I’m excited to be taking on additional responsibilities in the House of Commons. This role will allow me to further champion Walsall North and the West Midlands with Government Ministers.”
“I’m passionate about housing and hope I can use my professional experience to support Ministers effectively in their duties. It is a real honour to be asked and it shows Walsall North is back on the map in Westminster.”
“As a result of taking on the new role I’m stepping down as Chair of whg with immediate effect. I’ve spent many wonderful years working with this amazing housing association and with fantastic people. I look forward to continuing to work with them as a local Member of Parliament and thank everyone at whg for their support over the years.”
In addition, Eddie stepped down as a councillor at the local elections in May this year after 19 years as a Walsall councillor.