A Kent MP has announced she is stepping down from a government role.

Kelly Tolhurst, MP for Rochester and Strood, said she would be giving up her role as minister for schools and childhood.

She was appointed to the post in September.

Taking to Twitter yesterday (Thursday, October 27), Ms Tolhurst said: “It’s been a privilege to serve as Minister for Schools & Childhood.

“I have decided that now more than ever, with the challenges we face I want to focus on supporting and helping the people of Rochester & Strood, representing my constituents & businesses from the backbenches”

Ms Tolhurst was believed to be backing Boris Johnson for a comeback as Conservative Party leader before he announced he was not standing in the leadership contest last weekend.

In July, she was appointed to the position of deputy chief whip. Her predecessor, Chris Pincher quit the role over groping allegations.

These allegations eventually lead to Mr Johnson stepping down after it was revealed he had been told about the MP’s inappropriate behaviour prior to his appointment.

Earlier this week, it was announced Mr Pincher would be the subject of an investigation by the parliamentary watchdog.

Former Medway councillor Ms Tolhurst has served in various ministerial roles since becoming an MP in 2015.

These have included minister for rough sleeping and housing, which she stepped down from last year to spend more time with her family.