Who is Jackie Doyle-Price? New suicide prevention minister and Conservative MP for Thurrock
The former health minister said more must be done to tackle the stigma people with mental health issues face
THE UK has appointed its very first minister dedicated to preventing suicide.
Here's what we know about Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price and her demanding new role.
Who is Jackie Doyle-Price?
Jacqueline Doyle-Price is known as a loyal Tory backbencher who has held on to her seat despite tight competition from Labour and Ukip contenders.
The former civil servant was voted in as MP for Thurrock in the 2010 general election by just 92 votes after two recounts, and has increased her majority to a still-slim 345 votes.
The 49-year-old from Yorkshire voiced her opposition to Brexit prior to the 2016 referendum.
She was criticised by those seeking a hard Brexit in September 2018 after publicly dismissing the concerns of fellow Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns over the Government plan for leaving the EU.
The Durham economics graduate has come under fire for employing her husband Mark Coxshall as a part-time office manager on a salary of £30,000.
MPs first elected in 2017 are now banned from employing family members in an attempt to clamp down on nepotism, but the rules are not applied retrospectively.
Mr Coxshall has however attracted controversy as a Conservative Party councillor in Thurrock.
In August 2013 he was investigated by the police for allegedly racist comments about travellers but was not convicted.
He has also been criticised for frequently swearing in formal council meetings.
Doyle-Price was appointed Junior Minister in the Department of Health in June 2017.
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What is her new suicide prevention role?
On World Mental Health Day 2018 Ms Doyle-Price was appointed the first minister dedicated to reducing suicides across the country.
In her new role as minister for mental health, inequalities and suicide prevention, Ms Doyle-Price will lead a taskforce, introduce plans to prevent suicides and work with victims’ families and charities.
Ms Doyle-Price said more must be done to tackle the “stigma” people with mental ill health face — and ensure they feel they can “reach out for help”.
Around 4,500 people a year take their own life and suicide remains the leading cause of death among men under the age of 45.
PM Theresa May also pledged £1.8million to fund for four years.
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