GRAVESHAM MP Chris Pond has been promoted to the rank of minister following the recent Government reshuffle.

Following a stint as parliamentary private secretary, a ministerial aide to the Paymaster General, Mr Pond has joined the Government as a junior minister.

Mr Pond heard of his promotion last week after meeting with the Prime Minister who asked him to take up the post in the Department of Works and Pensions.

Mr Pond said: “I’m very enthusiastic and energetic about joining the Government. The PM told me to enjoy it and that’s what I plan to do. It’s always good to follow that kind of instruction.” Elected in May 1997 while a director of charity, the Low Pay Unit, Mr Pond worked on the bill which introduced the minimum wage and shortly afterwards joined the social security select committee.

While working for the Paymaster General Mr Pond worked on family tax credits and will continue to be involved in these issues at the work and pensions department.

He said: “Every MP elected hopes to be able to serve the Government and that’s something I’ve wanted to do. But is it also import to stay in touch in constituents and their concerns —people won’t be seeing any less of me in Gravesham.”