Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when Samantha Jones will begin her term as interim Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for Downing Street; what the process of her appointment was ; by what process a permanent appointment will be made; whether the role is responsible to the Chief of Staff; and if he will appoint a new Expert Advisor on NHS Transformation and Social Care.

Samantha Jones took up her role as interim Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer in No 10 on 10 February. Her appointment was approved by the Civil Service Commission.

A competition to make a permanent appointment will be launched in due course. Ms Jones will report to the Cabinet Secretary. The Prime Minister continues to receive advice from the No10 Policy Unit on all aspects of government policy, including health and social care.