Another Minister Goes !

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-2873778

"To lose one minister may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose two looks like carelessness.

Whatever is going on at the Foreign Office ? Who will go next ?

[Milvus]

This was agreed at the time of the recent reshuffle. Mark Simmonds stayed on after the reshuffle to complete a project and left for family reasons.
He is resigning as an MP at the next election.

[mikey4444]

Oh well, just coincidence then I expect !

[anotheoldgit]

Link don't work again mikey.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28737781

[anotheoldgit]

What's all this Minister for Africa, do we also have a Minister for each of the other six?

/// Downing Street has announced that James Duddridge will replace Mr Simmonds as minister for Africa. ///

[anotheoldgit]

doesn't

[mikey4444]

Flipping heck AOG...sorry...I had a slight stroke a few weeks ago and sometime my hand doesn't do as its told.

[Milvus]

It's a bigger role than that. Mark Simmonds was Minister for Africa, Overseas Territories, the Caribbean, Climate Change and International Energy. Mark Simmonds last project was to do with working with the security council concerning conflict in Africa I believe.

[anotheoldgit]

mikey4444

Oh truly sorry about that mikey, i do hope that you get the use of your hand back soon, try squeezing a rubber ball, it make good therapy.

[scooping]

Loyalty is a much derided attribute, one that I feel sad should continually be de debased.

[mikey4444]

It was only a very slight stroke and my Quack is not unduly worried...thanks for your comments though !

[scooping]

Just heard that Simmons said that he couldn't afford a flat in London as well as his family home. Astonishing! What an ar...hole.

[New Judge]

"...Mark Simmonds was Minister for Africa, Overseas Territories, the Caribbean, Climate Change and International Energy."

What did he do after lunch? His "overseas Territories" responsibilities apparently did not include Falklands or Gibralter so he's had plenty of time.

What a farce !!!

[scooping]

He could be paid the rent and mortgage for the second home. Doubtless he's already claimed.

[scooping]

Let's look at his expenses when he leaves.

[Milvus]

scooping. He actually said he could not get a flat that was large enough for him and his family. This meant he spent a lot of time away from his family. His original decision was to resign as an MP at the next election. At the reshuffle he informed the PM he would resign his ministers post but was asked to stay on to chair the Security Council session on conflict in Africa. This is now complete. James Duddridge is the replacement

[mikey4444]

It seems I may have been slightly too harsh on this chap, but why couldn't he have waited until next May ? He will have lots of ex-Tory MP's to play with then !

[anotheoldgit]

mikey4444

/// It seems I may have been slightly too harsh on this chap, but why couldn't he have waited until next May ? He will have lots of ex-Tory MP's to play with then ! ///

In your dreams mikey, in your dreams.

[mikey4444]

I have heard Eddie Mair interview this chap on PM. He came over as quite nice, rather decent really but a bit naive. He represents a constituency a long way from London but wasn't aware of how working such a distance away would affect his family life.

And I still don't see why he couldn't have waited until next May. There would appear to be more to this story than meets the eye. There is an certain atmosphere of Baroness Warsi hanging over this feast.

[naomi24]

What a very telling word from you, Mikey - 'feast'. ;o)

[mikey4444]

Ha ha Naomi ! ( I think ? )