On top of my regular duties as Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, in the last fortnight I had the honour of attending Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) on the front bench to support the Leader of the House of Commons Rt Hon David Lidington. Mr Lidington represented the Government at PMQs on that week as the Prime Minister Theresa May was on an official trip to the Persian Gulf.
The next day our roles were reversed: I was at the dispatch box answering Leader’s Questions whilst Mr Lidington sat on the front bench next to me. Leader’s Questions is a 10-15 minute slot occurring every 6 weeks in which MPs can ask questions concerning how the business of the House is organised. Much of the questions I had to answer were on the Barnett consequential – the formula which dictates the amount of money that the UK government gives to the Scottish government. As Deputy Leader of the House I work closely with my counterparts in the Scottish government to ensure both Parliaments are up to date with the legislative agenda of the other.
This week I will also be closing the proceedings in the House of Commons before the House rises for the Christmas recess, as I am the Minister closing the Pre-Recess Adjournment Debate.