A TORY MP with links to south Essex is one of the winners in David Cameron’s cabinet reshuffle.

Mike Penning, who represents Hemel Hempstead, was former Rochford and Southend East Tory MP Sir Teddy Taylor’s agent during the Nineties and spent his childhood and was educated in south Essex.

He has been appointed Minister of State for Policing, working with PCCs and child protection departments as part of the Prime Minister’s reshaping of his top politicians.

Mr Penning was born in Hendon, but went to Appleton School, in Benfleet, before attending King Edmund School, in Rochford.

He said: “I am thrilled and delighted at this new role in the Government. It is a great honour for me and I am looking forward to working with the police and Police and Crime Commissioners.

“I am particularly happy the role includes responsibilities for child protection which is something I have cared and campaigned about.”

He will work with both the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office in his new role.