A Word From Your MP Often when I read the newspapers it seems that there are some stories that interest the media and politicians more than everybody else. One such example that occupied minds in Westminster and secured metres of column inches in print was the Government reshuffle which is also known as snakes and ladders. Watching this chain of events unfold was fascinating and I have to say that the atmosphere was electric. There were MPs huddled in corners and stories flying everywhere most likely circulated by Members and journalists themselves. The only person who really knows what is going on is the Prime Minister himself. He confides in close advisers but until the reshuffle is complete I think even they aren’t truly sure what is going on. On the day itself it quickly became apparent that Members invited to visit the Prime Minister in his office in the Commons were in line for the sack and those required to cross the road to Downing Street were in line for promotion. For many it is a time of make or break. The days afterwards are slightly awkward as you are not sure whether to commiserate or congratulate colleagues. It was a sorry time for those who lost their jobs despite obviously working hard but on the other hand it was good to see others getting recognition for work put in over the years. Entertaining stories also start to emerge of Ministers who tried to resign but emerged with promotion and ministers due for promotion who discovered there were no posts remaining. Only in Westminster could these situations occur. On a personal note as a Parliamentary Private Secretary I was pleased to hear that I would be moving from supporting the Northern Ireland Office to the Department for Transport. In Patrick McLoughlin, it is great to be supporting someone who started his working life as a miner in Cannock, is married to a girl from South Staffordshire, and who has gone on to be recognised as Secretary of State.To contact me call 01902 701479 or 0207 219 7150
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