Parliamentary Private Secretary role
By way of an update I thought you all deserved to know that there has been a slight change in circumstances for me in Parliament. Last week I was offered the position of Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I accepted it.
As many of you will know I’ve been on the Education Select Committee for many years joining the Committee shortly after my election. I’ve found my time on the Committee hugely rewarding and I do think that I’ve been able to make a positive difference. Throughout my time on the Committee, I’ve been hugely vocal on the need to improve provision for those with special educational needs. As I’ve said before many times, I myself have learning disabilities and I’m hugely passionate about this area. However to ensure that I have adequate time for main priority, representing my constituents and my new role I’ve decided to come off the Education Select Committee. Don’t worry, my strong interest in education and in particular SEND will continue.
I have a strong interest in the Union and felt that Northern Ireland is currently a hugely important area of Government work and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to make a difference here by supporting the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris and the Minister of State Steve Baker.
I will continue to be very vocal in Parliament on all matters to do with Ipswich and that will always be priority number one. I do however look forward to the challenges presented by this new position.