WESTMINSTER UPDATE
Reading this column last week, it must have felt as though I was detached from all that was happening in Westminster. Drafts for the Newton News Parliament Talk Column are prepared on Sunday and submitted on Tuesday just as last week’s events were gathering pace.
The speed with which events happened were breath-taking.
At times it felt like I was stood in the middle of a whirlwind. I was aware that it was not only Ministers but some PPSs that were resigning their roles.
I was recently appointed as a PPS in DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The role of a PPS includes assisting Ministers in the Chamber and in Bill Committees with legislation. As DEFRA had activity in both Bill Committees and in the Chamber last week, I did not consider resigning my role.
My primary responsibility is to help the Government deliver the legislation we put forward in the manifesto that I was elected by you to deliver.
As a result of those that did resign from posts a significant number of people were appointed or shuffled, and I am now a PPS in HM Treasury instead of DEFRA.
I am sure after the new leader is in place there will be another shuffle.
After returning from Westminster I attended a meeting of the Conservative Association. I am delighted to say that I have been confirmed as the Conservative candidate for Sedgefield, if and when, any election is called on the current boundaries.
In theory this could be anytime up until January 2025.
On Friday I had a number of meetings in the Aycliffe office as well as a trip to Thornley to visit the Little House of Hope which is very inspirational.
On Saturday I called into Newton Aycliffe town centre to see the fantastic range of sporting groups available either in, or local to, Newton Aycliffe before then going to the Four Villages Fair at Low Coniscliffe.
Moving onto the leadership discussion. The process has been confirmed by the 1922 Committee and Conservative MPs will vote to reduce the number of candidates down to two and then members of the Conservative Party will decide between them.
I am proud to support Rishi Sunak to be our next Prime Minister.
If you need help or have any questions for me, as always, please get in touch. You can contact me by email at paul.howell.mp@ parliament.uk or call on 01325 790580.
