Suicide prevention minister joked she might jump off cliff

THE new suicide prevention minister previously joked about taking her own life, it has emerged.

Jackie Doyle-price, who will take up the new role as part of the Government’s mental health strategy, said in comments reported by her local newspaper in 2014 that she would “sooner jump off Beachy Head” than join Ukip.

There are an estimated 20 suicides a year at Beachy Head and a dedicated chaplaincy team has responded to more than 5,500 incidents since 2004.

Labour said: “Any comment that increases stigma or disrespect or lack of understanding for mental health issues and, in particular depression and suicide, is inappropriate.”

The role of Ms Doyle-price, the Tory MP for Thurrock in Essex, will include making sure each local area in England has effective plans to stop unnecessary deaths and to look into how technology could help identify those at risk.