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Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Appointment
07 February 2022
Lead MP
Michael Ellis
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EmploymentParliamentary ProcedureStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
Michael Ellis raised concerns about prime minister’s chief of staff appointment in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister congratulated the Queen on her anniversary and acknowledged the Prime Minister's pledge to reform Downing Street and the Cabinet Office for better recovery from the pandemic, job creation, and levelling up initiatives. The changes include appointing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster as chief of staff with enhanced ministerial authority to coordinate departments and promote levelling up. This restructuring aims to integrate the new Office of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Office for efficiency and effectiveness, aligning the Government's agenda with its priorities. The role ensures democratic accountability by remaining a member of the Cabinet without being a special adviser or unelected figure.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Question
The shadow Secretary of State questioned the nature, responsibilities, salary status, and relationship with other officials and departments of the new chief of staff role. She pointed out that it was a chaotic move lacking clarity.
Minister reply
Minister Ellis responded by affirming that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is an elected official accountable to this House, unlike unelected special advisers who had significant powers under Tony Blair.
Bill Cash
Con
Not specified
Question
The Member expressed confidence in the new chief of staff’s capabilities, highlighting his experience across multiple departments and roles.
Minister reply
Minister Ellis agreed with Bill Cash's assessment, emphasising that Steve Barclay is highly qualified to manage both ministerial duties and chief of staff responsibilities.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
The Member cited Erskine May's rules disqualifying civil servants from serving in the House and questioned whether Steve Barclay’s roles violate these guidelines.
Minister reply
Minister Ellis dismissed Brendan O'Hara's interpretation of Erskine May, stating that Steve Barclay remains an elected official rather than a civil servant.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
The Member suggested focusing the Government’s efforts on fewer priorities to improve performance.
Minister reply
Minister Ellis assured Desmond Swayne that the new chief of staff will continue performing functions excellently, delivering on manifesto promises.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Not specified
Question
The Member questioned how Steve Barclay would manage multiple roles effectively and serve constituents.
Minister reply
Minister Ellis defended the chief of staff’s capability by noting the extensive portfolio held by shadow Labour members.
Alun Cairns
Con
Not specified
Question
The Member asked for reassurance that the restructuring would not disrupt Government operations and focus solely on delivering promises.
Minister reply
Minister Ellis assured Alun Cairns that the Prime Minister’s focus remains on delivering manifesto promises from the largest Conservative victory since 1980.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
Asks about the impact of the new appointment on response times to parliamentary questions, citing concerns over increased responsibilities.
Minister reply
Claims that statistics show a significant improvement in response times over the last four and a half months.
Question
Welcomes the move towards greater accountability by having Members of Parliament fill key roles, questioning if Dominic Cummings would have been an appropriate choice earlier.
Minister reply
While not agreeing with the specific reference to Cummings, acknowledges that the new arrangement will increase transparency and democratic accountability.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Questions whether increased accountability can be claimed when the appointee is absent from his post and criticises the move as confusing government operations.
Minister reply
Asserts that the new arrangement will deliver increased transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Challenges Labour's criticism of the appointment, suggesting they should win an election to have input in who works at No. 10.
Minister reply
Agrees that Labour has not won a general election in over two decades.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Question
Asks about the cost implications of the changes and whether public money will be spent on refurbishing Downing Street.
Minister reply
Claims that the new arrangements are necessary, with no relation to any refurbishment plans.
Question
Expresses confidence in the effectiveness of the new role and anticipates positive narrative from No. 10.
Minister reply
Agrees that a stream of Conservative policies will emerge.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Links the appointment to recent controversies surrounding the Prime Minister's statements and questions its basis in merit.
Minister reply
Rejects the connection, emphasising the appointee’s experience and suitability.
Question
Welcomes the cost-saving measures inherent in the new arrangement, particularly that no additional salary will be paid to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Minister reply
Agrees on reducing costs through this measure.
Battersea
Question
Questions whether the new chief of staff will manage communications and rules out any future lobbying activities for the appointee.
Minister reply
Refuses to speculate on future scenarios.
Question
Suggests streamlining operations in No. 10 can lead to efficiencies, citing past experiences with the appointee.
Minister reply
Agrees that quality is more important than quantity and expects efficiency.
Question
Requests an example of decision-making authority unique to the new chief of staff role compared to previous responsibilities.
Minister reply
Predicts myriad decisions will be made but refuses to specify them, emphasising positive outcomes for the country.
Question
Asks if Labour opposes following recommendations from the Grey report regarding governance restructuring.
Minister reply
Claims that Labour should welcome the changes as per the Grey report's recommendations.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Questions whether the appointee will be able to provide detailed answers on responsibilities once they are clarified.
Minister reply
Promises that the new chief of staff will be accountable and answerable to Parliament.
Question
Invites Minister to discuss TV show characters as an analogy for strengths in the appointee’s role.
Minister reply
Emphasises the accountability and responsibility of the chief of staff to British people.
Question
Asks about intergovernmental relations, particularly with Wales and Scotland, regarding policy announcements from the UK Government.
Minister reply
Asserts that every government department supports the Union and works towards it.
Question
Emphasises the importance of having a Member of Parliament, especially from the Fens, to provide non-metropolitan perspectives in delivering government priorities.
Minister reply
Agrees with the MP that his constituency background offers a unique perspective.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Asks for assurances that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will continue to address the civil service fast track system's failure in recruiting black members of staff.
Minister reply
Confirms that this issue remains important and assures continuation of efforts.
Question
Inquires if solving the illegal crossings crisis in the channel remains a top priority for the Government.
Minister reply
Reaffirms that this issue is still a key focus and acknowledges ongoing work by the Home Secretary.
Question
Questions if the recent appointment of a non-traditional Spad role at Downing Street will be unique or part of a new trend.
Minister reply
Explains that this is not a special status but rather an accountable and democratic position.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
Asks whether recent staff departures from Downing Street are related to Sue Grey’s report findings, and if there have been any associated culpability determinations.
Minister reply
Refuses to comment on staffing matters but confirms that the Government is addressing relevant challenges.
Shadow Comment
Angela Rayner
Shadow Comment
The shadow Secretary of State echoed Minister Ellis' comments but criticised the lack of transparency regarding the new chief of staff role. She questioned its nature, responsibilities, salary status, and relationship with other officials and departments, suggesting it was a chaotic move that lacks clarity.
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