Steve Double has been appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), following Jo Churchill’s resignation from the position last week.
The Cornish MP said he was pleased to accept the position on Friday (July 8).
“I am honoured to accept the offer to serve, and ensure the continued smooth running of this important department,” he said.
“This Department has many links to Cornwall and during my time as Member of Parliament for St. Austell and Newquay I have worked with Defra officials and previous Ministerial colleagues on a number of issues.
“I look forward to working with the Defra Ministerial team and officials over the coming months for the benefit of the UK and for Cornwall.”
However, the day before these comments (July 7), following Boris Johnson’s resignation, Steve Double said that he would not be accepting a new position.
He issued a statement via Twitter reiterating the importance of his then government department, the Whips Office.
“At times like this the Whips Office plays a crucial role in ensuring Parliament and our democracy are able to continue to function and essential government business can continue. Throughout this difficult week I have continued to serve parliament in my role as whip.
“I indicated [to the Chief Whip] that I was willing to continue to serve in the whip’s office in order to ensure parliament could continue to function but that I would not be prepared to accept any other role.
“This remains my position.”
