Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Appointment Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Appointment

Owen Thompson Excerpts
Monday 7th February 2022

(2 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Ellis Portrait Michael Ellis
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I can indeed, and I know my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary continues to work on it, too.

Owen Thompson Portrait Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)
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We now have a Spad who is not a Spad, so a special status is being created. Will this be the only appointment with such special status?

Michael Ellis Portrait Michael Ellis
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I do not see this as a special status. This is a Minister of the Crown who remains Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and now has the role of chief of staff at No. 10. It is a highly democratic, highly accountable position. In fact, more so than any of those who went before. The hon. Gentleman should welcome it if he is interested in democracy.