A MEMBER of parliament is returning to the Government after receiving a call from the Prime Minister.

Sir John Whittingdale is returning to the Government as Minister for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, while current Minister Julia Lopez is on maternity leave.

Sir John was previously the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from 2015 to July 2016 and the Minister of state for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport from February 2020 to September 2021.

Sir John said: “Delighted to be returning to Government for the third time as minister in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.

“Best wishes to Julia Lopez whose seat I will be keeping warm.”

He received a call from the Prime Minister asking him to return to the role whilst he was visiting Sainsbury's in South Woodham Ferrers.

He was there to meet staff and hear what Sainsbury's is doing to support the community.Maldon and Burnham Standard: Store manager: Sir John Whittingdale with Lian MeachenStore manager: Sir John Whittingdale with Lian Meachen (Image: John Whittingdale)

He was given a tour by store manager Lian Meachen and heard about initiatives, including food donations to a variety of local charities, free food for staff while they are working, and efforts to keep down prices of essentials.

The supermarket has a £500 community grant provided to the store every quarter to spend on community initiatives.

The supermarket in Burnham Road opened in 2019 and employs 261 members of staff.

Sir John said: "I am already a regular customer at Sainsbury's South Woodham Ferrers and was very interested to be given a behind-the-scenes tour.

“I was very impressed by their commitment to help their staff, their customers and local charities in difficult times."