MP’s front bench move

ALL three MPs representing the area around Huntingdon are now members of the Opposition front bench team – shadow Ministers. Tory leader David Cameron last week promoted Shailesh Vara to be Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, responsible for agr

ALL three MPs representing the area around Huntingdon are now members of the Opposition front bench team - shadow Ministers.

Tory leader David Cameron last week promoted Shailesh Vara to be Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, responsible for agreeing the business of the House with Jack Straw.

His promotion, after just 18 months representing North West Cambridgeshire, is a rapid elevation for the corporate lawyer, who lives in Hamerton.

"I'm absolutely delighted. It came as a complete surprise, particularly because I wasn't expecting a re-shuffle until much nearer Christmas," he told The Hunts Post.

"I'm very much looking forward to the challenge and working with Theresa May (Shadow Leader of the Commons) again." (Mrs May was chairman of the Conservative Party when Mr Vara was vice-chairman, a position he resigned on election as an MP in May last year.)

"It will be a steep learning curve, but I promise to hold the Government to account and, if the opportunity arises to get Hinchingbrooke Hospital into the business of the House. I shall certainly raise it."

Mr Vara found himself on the front bench within 24 hours of his appointment, for the prorogation of Parliament (the end of the session) last Wednesday evening. The new session starts with the State Opening of Parliament and the Queen's Speech this morning (Wednesday).

Mr Vara joins Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) and Andrew Lansley (South West Cambridgeshire) on the Opposition front bench team.

Mr Lansley shadows Patricia Hewitt as Secretary of State for Health, and Mr Djanogly combines Shadow Solicitor General with work as an Opposition spokesman on trade and industry.