Jake Berry named as new Northern powerhouse minister

Jake Berry hase been named as the successor to Andrew Percy as Northern Powerhouse minister, the third MP to have taken the post since it was created two years ago.

The MP for Rossendale & Darwen, Berry has replaced Andrew Percy, who stepped down from the role after less than a year in charge. Prime Minister Theresa May gave him the opportunity to continue, but he declined.

Speaking on Twitter, Berry said it was a “huge privilege” to have the opportunity to serve as the new Northern Powerhouse minister.

Berry, who becomes the third MP to fill the role after Percy and James Wharton, was educated at Liverpool College and the University of Sheffield.

He became a member of parliament for Rossendale and Darwen in 2010 and was subsequently appointed as parliamentary private secretary to minister for housing and local government Grant Shapps MP.

In April 2013, Berry was asked by then Prime Minister David Cameron to join his policy board and advise on housing, local government and regional growth in Downing Street.

Most recently, he was appointed as parliamentary private secretary to Greg Hands, chief secretary to the Treasury.