Helen Grant

In the course of the prime minister’s reshuffle last week I was extremely pleased to be offered a role as a vice-chairman of my party, with a focus on communities. I have received congratulations from many of my constituents, for which I am most grateful, but many have also asked me what the role is all about? A fair question.

There are many in this country who choose not to vote, or register to vote, because they feel their mark will make no difference.

There are others who choose not to vote because they see no significant difference between any of the parties or are of the impression that politicians generally are an ineffectual waste of space.

It is a fundamental job of politicians to rectify this because these impressions are simply not true and the alternative is anarchy and civil disorder, which is unconscionable in our great country.

Alongside eight other vice-chairs with their own spheres of responsibility, my role is to reach out to diverse, disadvantaged and disengaged communities across the UK; to hear their legitimate concerns, gain their trust and confidence, and act upon their needs and aspirations.

If we can do this, we can create a country that works for everyone, and not just a privileged few.

In the past I have been proud to serve as minister for justice for a year; minister for women and equalities for two years; and