A SOMERSET MP who supported Liz Truss's leadership bid has become a junior minister within her first government.

Marcus Fysh, who represents the Yeovil constituency, was appointed the new Minister for Exports on Tuesday, September 20.

He will work within the Department for International Trade, which is responsible for trade agreements between the UK and other countries.

The department was founded by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2016 after the UK voted to leave the European Union.

A department spokesperson said on Twitter: “We welcome the appointment of Marcus Fysh as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Trade.”

Mr Fysh tweeted: “Honoured to have been appointed to the Department for International Trade as Minister for Exports.

“I look forward to working with businesses and individuals across the whole UK to help them sell more products and services internationally.”

The role was previously held by Andrew Griffith, who was appointed in July 2022.

Mr Fysh was among several junior ministerial appointments confirmed on Monday as part of Ms Truss's first reshuffle. 

Somerset County Gazette: Prime Minister Liz Truss speaks to journalists in the Empire State Building during her visit to the US for the 77th UN General Assembly. Picture: Toby Melville, PAPrime Minister Liz Truss speaks to journalists in the Empire State Building during her visit to the US for the 77th UN General Assembly. Picture: Toby Melville, PA (Image: Toby Melville, PA)

He was elected as Yeovil's MP in May 2015. His constituency includes Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne.

On August 23, Mr Fysh confirmed he had voted for Ms Truss in her leadership race against Rishi Sunak, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer.

He said: “Liz Truss is the leader we need to make the positive case for our union and to hold those who are not doing the best job they might be with devolved powers to account.

“She'll deliver on our promises, unite the party and country and beat Starmer.”