I am delighted that Rishi Sunak has become the Leader of the Conservative Party and our new Prime Minister. Rishi and I entered Parliament on the same day in 2015 and I have been deeply impressed with the way he has handled a series of tough Government roles. I endorsed Rishi back in the Summer and did so again last week.
Rishi has an enormous work ethic, attention to detail and intellectual capacity. He is best placed to provide thoughtful and incisive government, which is exactly what the country needs as we face huge economic and global challenges.
These are difficult times to become Prime Minister – the global economic problems, emerging out of the Covid pandemic, reinforced by the ongoing brutal war on our own continent launched by Russia, are profound. Our response to them as a country will involve making extremely difficult decisions. I am delighted that Jeremy Hunt who has already made important economic interventions has remained in post as Chancellor and is expected to bring forward the Government’s plans shortly.
I have seen major decisions having to be made both as a civil servant during the global financial crisis and as a Minister during Covid and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. To tackle crises on this scale Government needs to be forward-thinking, determined and utterly committed to the task. This combination is what I know Rishi will deliver. In his speech outside Downing Street, Rishi was clear that tough decisions lie ahead but that the necessary work is underway and we will deliver the solutions required.
Rishi will restore stability and generate the trust and confidence which is so vital in government. I am delighted to have been asked to take on a role in that huge task. I will be attending the cabinet as Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General. This role is based in the heart of Government but links right across its endeavours. Alongside serving as a Member of Parliament I look forward to doing my utmost to help deliver the thoughtful and effective Government the country needs.