Political Updates 24th April 2017

This week’s Political Updates, covers moves and changes at all levels of government. 

• On 18th April, Theresa May announced her decision to hold a general election on 8th June. At least two thirds of MPs had to agree to a motion in the House of Commons in order for the election to take place. On 19th April, MPs approved the motion by 522 to 13.
  Numerous MPs have since announced their resignation:

Labour

Alan Johnson, MP for Hull West and Hessle
Tom Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesborough South and East Cleveland
Gisela Stuart, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston
Michael Dugher, MP for Barnsley East
Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh
Jim Dowd, MP for Lewisham West and Penge
Rob Marris, MP for Wolverhampton South West
Dave Anderson, MP for Blaydon

Conservative

George Osborne, MP for Tatton
Gerald Howarth, MP for Aldershot
Simon Burns, MP for Chelmsford
Angela Watkinson, MP for Hornchurch and Upminster
Eric Pickles, MP for Brentwood and Ongar

• Bernadette Kelly is the new Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport following Philip Rutman’s recent move to the Home Office.
• Sara Weller CBE has been appointed Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department for Work and Pensions’ by Work and Pensions Secretary Damien Green.
• Richard Turfitt has been appointed Senior Traffic Commissioner by Transport Minister John Hayes.

Northern Ireland Assembly

• A new deadline has been set on the 29th June for politicians in Northern Ireland to come to an agreement so that a power-sharing executive can be restored.

• Monday and Tuesday will consist of Committee meetings in Brussels.
• A plenary session will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, also in Brussels.