Mid Worcestershire MP, Nigel Huddleston, has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Ministers in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This means that Mr Huddleston will assist: Digital Minister, Matt Hancock; Parliamentary Under Secretary for Sport, Tracey Crouch; and Parliamentary Under Secretary for Arts, Heritage & Tourism, John Glen. The role of a PPS involves assisting Ministers in their communication with backbench MPs. This entails making sure that the views and opinions of MPs are known to Ministers, as well as helping Ministers prepare for answering questions in the House of Commons chamber. Though it is not a Government role, the position of PPS allows for extensive interaction with the Department and Ministers, with the role often described as representing the “eyes and ears” of Ministers in Parliament.
Reacting to his appointment, the Mid Worcestershire MP said, “I am delighted to have been offered a PPS role, particularly for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. I sat on the select committee for the Department for two years and feel I have a lot to offer its Ministers as a PPS. I look forward to working with Matt, Tracey and John as they help Government approach the challenges that lie ahead. DCMS plays an important part in making sure that the UK’s vital tourism industry still thrives as we depart from the EU, and helps attract the best creative industries to the British economy. It is also intricately involved in digital infrastructure like broadband, and I look forward to helping facilitate constructive discussions between MPs and Ministers on such important and fundamental issues.
This is an exciting new chapter in my time in Parliament and I look forward to playing my part in helping the Department achieve its goals that will benefit my constituents and the whole of the UK.”