WORKINGTON MP Mark Jenkinson has spoken out on the new Prime Minister, as well as his departure from the whips' office last week following a cabinet reshuffle.

Speaking about new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Mr Jenkinson said: "I have no problem with Rishi at all; obviously I didn't support anyone in the leadership election just gone because I was in the whips' office so maintained neutrality.

"Obviously, I never supported Rishi in the summer and that wasn't because I didn't support what he wanted to do or didn't think he would deliver we wanted in Workington, but I just considered on balance that Liz offered policies that better suit my vision for Workington.

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"Rishi is commited to supporting the 2019 manifesto which is what we need.

"He had a really good outing I thought at PMQs last week; he is very capable and I think he will deliver what we want in Workington, and my job is to hold him to those pledges on behalf of my constituents.

"We have made real progress in the last few years, but we can't take our foot off the pedal."

Mr Jenkinson served in government as a whip under former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss during her one month premiership.

Last week it was announced that he had 'had the call' to adjourn his time in government, but the MP says he won't be 'crying into his cornflakes' over the decision.

He said: "It wasn't unexpected, I was delighted to have been giving the opportunity to serve in government, but there's also the other side of it.

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"It takes up time and I like to be active at home, I like to be seen to be active, I like to visit as many people and get involved in as many things as I can and as ministerial positions go the whips' office is probably one of the best things for that because you don't have red boxes every night.

"Ultimately, although it is a pleasure to be asked and a pleasure to serve, I am not crying into my cornflakes over it.

"Everybody serves at the will of the Prime Minister.

"I shall offer robust challenge to the government from the back benches and I am hoping to return to the BEIS select committee to continue my work on nuclear."