Reshuffles! The Parliament equivalent of transfer deadline day… I am often asked how they work and whilst they change from time to time, here is a rough guide.
Firstly, there are the rumours of when they will be. Pre-Summer there was gentle speculation, this built up on the return of Parliament and most though it would happen last week. This passed, but then Wednesday morning it was confirmed they would begin after PMQ’s. There are also rumours of who is on the up, and who is on the way down – more often than not, these are promoted by journalists keen to promote or punish those they like, or dislike.
Once the reshuffle has begun, speculation goes into overdrive. MP’s and journalists are looking for any indications. As I arrived at my office on Wednesday my lights were no longer working (flooding next door) – even the mice had decamped! It could easily make you paranoid!
As a rule, they break the reshuffle into three parts. Firstly, the Cabinet, then the Ministers of State, then the Parliamentary Under Secretaries. Again, normally with each part they start with the sackings, then the promotions / retentions. So not only are MP’s waiting for the call to notify you that you will either be speaking to, or meeting with the PM shortly, but you are also looking at the timings – too early, set to be dropped, too late, perhaps no call either way is coming?
Once the call has come, you set off to hear your fate. Understandably PM’s don’t like reshuffles. Whilst promotions are warmly received, they are rarely thanked by those no longer needed. It is tough, but you cannot lose sight that there are more MP’s wanting roles than there are roles to give.
I was desperately sorry to see my good friend Robert Buckland MP’s time in Cabinet had come to an end. After 7 years in various senior roles, he will leave office with his head held high. Crucially he has made a difference and was widely respected and liked by colleagues across the House, I can’t emphasise enough the warm words reserved for Robert, richly deserved. Whatever the future holds for Robert in a Ministerial role or not, his priority has always been as an excellent constituency MP and nothing will change there.
This week we were debating the ending of various Covid support packages and the wider jobs numbers – with both the Furlough scheme, which has helped protected over 11m jobs and the temporary increase in Universal Credit coming to an end now the economy is re-opening. Whilst these temporary schemes are coming to an end, many other changes are permanent, making sure we are targeting support at those most in need. Our increases in the National Living Wage and Income Tax Thresholds (the point you start to pay income tax) have been rapidly increased, now worth over £4,500 per year. We also changed the Local Housing Allowance, worth up to £620 per year and the UC Work Allowance, worth up to £620 per year. We have also extended the Free Schools Meal provision and introduced the fantastic Holiday Activities Programme. We are also continuing to strengthen the Local Welfare Assistance scheme, providing localised targeted support.
We have had to navigate unprecedented challenges during Covid, but as we return to normality, we are thankfully greeted by record job vacancies, rather than job redundancies as many feared.
