FORMER Stourbridge MP has announced she has a new role.

Ms James, who represented Stourbridge for nearly 10 years before stepping down ahead of the December snap election over her differences in opinion over Brexit, has been confirmed as the new executive chairman for Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick which provides research and education in engineering, manufacturing and technology.

It was founded in 1980 by Kumar Bhattacharyya to support the reinvigoration of UK manufacturing through research and the transfer of knowledge.

Margot said: "I am delighted to have been appointed executive chair of WMG, University of Warwick. It will be a real privilege to work with the exceptional academics and researchers from industry who are based at, or partnered with, WMG to grow this unique institution.

"I would like to pay tribute to the vision and dedication of WMG’s founder and chairman; the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya who led WMG in a constant quest for the latest innovations and new technologies.

“As well as world leading research with impact, WMG are educating the next generation of engineers and technologists.

"Throughout my career in business and government I have championed the need to expand opportunities for diverse groups of young people and I am inspired by the range of different opportunities on offer at WMG.

“I look forward to bringing to WMG my experience as minister for digital and the creative industries, and prior to that business minister, as well as my time spent building up my business which provided marketing insights and services to the healthcare industry.”

Prior to her career in politics, Ms James founded Shire Health Group, in 1985, which grew to more than 100 staff, having created a new market for industry sponsored public health campaigns.

She later transitioned the company to the multinational WPP and subsequently she served on the Europe, Middle East and Africa board of Ogilvy Mathe - leading their European healthcare programmes.

During her Parliamentary career, she served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and was later promoted to Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The University of Warwick’s vice-chancellor, Professor Stuart Croft, said of her appointment: “Margot brings a wealth of leadership experience from Government and industry to WMG.

"She is ideally placed to lead WMG as it celebrates its 40th anniversary year as it continues to grow and diversify, building on the outstanding foundations established under its former chairman the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya."

Ms James is due to take up the new role in April.