Who is James Brokenshire?

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Mr. Brokenshire’s predecessor, Theresa Villiers, claims she was offered a cabinet position by British Prime Minister, Theresa May, but turned it down.

Enter stage left, James Brokenshire.

Speaking to his 11,000 followers on Twitter, Mr. Brokenshire said: “Delighted and honoured to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve as Northern Ireland Secretary in her new Government.”

Mr. Brokenshire was born in 1968 in Southend-On-Sea and went to school at Davenant Foundation Grammar School, Loughton, Essex.

Mr. Brokenshire also attended the Cambridge Centre for Sixth Form Studies before going to Exeter University where he graduated with an honours degree in law.

Mr. Brokenshire practiced law for 13 years before becoming an MP for Hornchurch and Rainham (2005-2010).

Hornchurch and Rainham was abolished in 2010 but Brokenshire was re-elected as an MP for the constituency of Old Bexley and Sidcup.

When the Conservatives won the 2010 general election, Brokenshire was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary for Crime Reduction, although in May 2011 was transferred to the position of Parliamentary Under Secretary for Crime and Security.

Mr. Brokenshire was appointed Minister for Security and Immigration in February 2014.

Mr. Brokenshire is married to Catherine Mamelok and they have two daughters and one son.

A relative unknown politician in the North of Ireland, Brokenshire has consistently voted in favour of same sex marriage, voted against allowing terminally ill people to be give assistance to end their life and generally voted for capping civil service redundancy payments.

Mr. Brokenshire actively campaigned for the U.K. to remain inside the European Union.