Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Appointment

James Duddridge Excerpts

Monday 7th February 2022 Commons Chamber

[Michael Ellis]

It is very peculiar to ask me, from the Dispatch Box, to predict the future, but if I were to predict the future, it certainly would not have Labour in it.

[James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con)]

Having worked with the new chief of staff when he was a Secretary of State and having seen his work when he was Chief Secretary to the Treasury, I urge the Minister to ask him to use this as an opportunity. Sometimes, fewer people in No. 10 can operate better than a large number. This is an opportunity to drive efficiencies across those two areas.

[Michael Ellis]

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. He knows that quality is often better than quantity. That is what we have with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the role that he will perform.