Bridlington’s MP Takes National Role While Vowing to Fight for Local Services

Thursday 3rd September 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and the Wolds

Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and the Wolds, has been appointed as the new Shadow Minister for the Union by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. The announcement places him within the Shadow Cabinet Office team and also gives him responsibilities as Shadow Northern Ireland Minister.

Speaking after the appointment, Mr Dewhirst said he was “thrilled and honoured” to take on the role, adding that Britain is “stronger as a united community”. He said his new brief will involve holding the Prime Minister and First Secretary of State to account on how they manage the expanding Civil Service, their commitments to devolving more power to the UK’s nations and regions, and a range of national security matters.

Mr Dewhirst praised Kemi Badenoch’s leadership since the election, saying she has “worked hard to identify where previous Conservative governments went wrong, and come up with serious and specific plans to fix things”.

The appointment comes as Mr Dewhirst noted that the Conservatives had overtaken Reform in a national poll for the first time in 18 months — a shift he described as an encouraging sign for the party.

Despite stepping into a national role, Mr Dewhirst emphasised that he will remain fully engaged with constituents across East Yorkshire. He said residents expect progress on issues including improved local healthcare, fairer special educational needs funding, and the scrapping of what he called “cruel Family Farm and Family Business taxes”.

He added that with the new Prime Minister signalling further devolution to regional mayors, “there’ll be lots to hold to account”.

Charlie Dewhirst MP speaking of his new appointment.