As a truly local MP, who has lived in South Hampshire her whole life, Caroline stands up for what matters to her constituents. She has helped secure a number of considerable investments for the local area, including over £50 million to create the Enterprise Zone at Daedalus and over £50 million for infrastructure upgrades between Fareham and Gosport. In addition, Caroline helped secure a £25.7m package from central government to complete the long-awaited Stubbington Bypass, a much-needed new access route to the Gosport peninsula.
Making the most of her constituency's prime coastal location, Caroline has worked hard to promote the area as a world class hub for the marine and sailing industry and formed the Gosport Marine Scene Community Interest Company in 2011.
Caroline is dedicated to reaching out to all her constituents with her regular surgeries and street stalls. She's met with hundreds of local businesses and voluntary groups and has visited all 37 constituency schools.
Caroline has over 20 years of experience as a small business-owner, having established her own manufacturing company aged 19. A strong supporter of small and medium-sized enterprise, UK industry and skills training in Parliament, Caroline used her expertise as a member of the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Select Committee, from there she launched a landmark inquiry into the adult literacy and numeracy skills gap. She also formed the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Maths and Numeracy.
Caroline has a keen interest in defence issues, served as the Vice-Chairman (Navy) of the APPG for the Armed Forces for 4 years and successfully campaigned to secure a medal for the Arctic Convoy veterans of WW2. She has regularly spoken up on Forces welfare issues, and fought to ensure the future of military establishments in Gosport, including HMS Sultan.
Caroline has served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women, Equalities and Family Justice, Minister for Equalities, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women, Equalities and Early Years and Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance. She was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Health & Social Care in January 2018. You can find out more information about her responsibilities here.
With two young sons to keep her busy, Caroline enjoys making the most of Gosport's fantastic coastal location in her rare moments of spare time, she is qualified to drive powerboats, sail yachts and in PADI open water diving. She has risked both a parachute jump and an abseil of Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower to raise funds for local charities. She also enjoys skiing, horse racing and set up the first ever parliamentary netball group!