The big news in Westminster last week was the reshuffle. It had long been speculated that one was due, so it was good to see it actually happening.
Among the number of big moves in the Cabinet, I was
particularly pleased to see the former Vaccines Minster, Nahdim Zahawi,
appointed to Education Secretary. Having worked closely with Nadhim in the
Department for Health and Social Care over the past 18 months I am sure he will
do a great job in this new role.
I was also pleased that Sajid Javid remained as Health
Secretary. This is a crucial time for our health and care system as we recover
from the pandemic, deal with the backlog in our health system and reform the
social care system.
For me personally there was also good news as the Prime
Minister invited me to join the Government as a Whip. An invitation I was
honoured to accept. There is always a lot of misunderstanding about the role of
whips in Parliament. Whilst it is true that a part of the role is seeking to
ensure MP’s vote in support of the government, that really is a small part of
the role.
Whips are primarily there to manage the business of the
government through the House of Commons. There is a myriad of different things
that go on behind the scenes before and after what is seen in the chamber. This
includes negotiating with the opposition whips regarding how long is given to
different items of business, ensuring MPs are kept informed of what is
happening and formally moving motions and other business in the chamber.
There is also a huge amount of work that goes into
committees that consider legislation, where the whips have a key role.
Having spent the past two years as the Parliamentary Private
Secretary to the Department for Health and Social Care I welcome the
opportunity of a new role and fresh challenge. Being the PPS to the Health Secretary
throughout the Covid pandemic has been an incredible experience. It was truly a
privilege to serve in that role during one of the most challenging times our
country has faced for generations. I learnt a great deal and it was an
immensely busy and intense time. I will never forget the experience and will
always be grateful to the Prime Minister, Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid for the
opportunity.
Each Whip is assigned to a government department to be a
part of the ministerial team and I am delighted that I have been appointed the
whip for the Health and Social Care Department. This will mean I will continue
to work with health ministers to deliver the vital investment and reforms we
need to recover from the pandemic.
I now look forward to my new role. There will be a great
deal to learn in the coming weeks and months, but I am honoured to be part of
this government and working to deliver the programme of legislation as we seek
to move on from the pandemic.
But I want to reassure everyone that being the MP for my
home patch is still by far the greatest honour I can ever imagine. Representing
and serving the people of this constituency will always be the priority for me.
I do understand the comments that some make that I will now be bound to support
the government. Whilst it is the case that, just like the past two years as a
PPS, I am bound by the collective responsibility being part of the government
brings, it does not in any way dimmish my commitment to do what is right and
best for our part of Cornwall.
As a part of the government, I will continue to do what I
believe is right and best for our constituency and work with ministers to
deliver the things we need. I will now be able to do this as a part of Boris
Johnson’s government.
My office and I are here to help local people in any way we
can. I am now holding regular face to face surgeries. If you feel I can help
with advice or support in any way please contact my office to book an
appointment – email: office@stevedouble.org.uk,
tel. 01726 829379.
