News from Westminster
They say that a week is a long time in politics. It is as true now as ever! As I write, the Prime Minister has just resigned as leader of the Conservative Party, and we will be choosing a new leader. I am quite sure that what I am writing now will already be historic by the time you read it.
There is no doubt that a great many books will be written about this time in politics, all providing their view on what has gone well, and what could have been better. Hundreds of constituents have shared their views with me about the Prime Minister, both in favour of him and against him; and both for and against him staying on as PM. As we are a Parliamentary democracy, rather than a Presidential style of government, we do not directly elect our Prime Minister. Instead, the Queen appoints the person who is the leader of the party that has won the most votes in an election. Several of my colleagues are putting themselves forward for the leadership. There will be an initial series of votes by Conservative MPs, before a ballot of Conservative members. By the autumn and probably well before, we will have a new leader and a new Prime Minister.
I remain a member of the Government in the whips’ office, albeit in a new role. A significant part of my duties as a whip is administrative, for example ensuring that there are ministers for debates and committees, and liaising with MPs from all the other parties. It is also a pastoral role, providing support and advice to other MPs (our “flock”), and also provide a line of communication from the backbenches to the Chief Whip and Prime Minister, about how MPs are feeling and any concerns or policy issues. Through these turbulent weeks, this continued support to my “flock” has been as important as ever. It is also right that the government must continue to function. In order for legislation to be properly scrutinised, debate must be facilitated, and committees must continue to operate. Whips are a vital part of that process. As a member of the whips’ office, I have to remain neutral throughout the leadership race and I will not be promoting or publicly supporting any of the candidates. This means that the whips office will continue delivering government business throughout this period to ensure the smooth running of parliament and government. I very much hope to update you in my next column about how things have progressed, and my new role in the whips’ office.
By the time you read this, it is likely that there will only be two remaining candidates, with the winner to be announced in a matter of weeks. I will be spending much of the summer in Dorset and so please do stop me for a chat when you see me out and about.
