North Nottinghamshire Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith has landed a promotion amid turmoil in Government. The MP's support was unwavering for the Prime Minister even in his resignation.
The Prime Minister stepped up to the lectern on July 7 to announce his resignation following a raft of ministers departing their roles. Entire departments were left decimated as a result.
The cabinet is now undergoing another reshuffle and Mr Clarke-Smith, a former teacher himself who represents Bassetlaw, has been appointed parliamentary under-secretary for the Department for Education. He had spoken nothing but positive words of Mr Johnson and continues to do so even as his successor is chosen.
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Before being elected in 2019 Mr Clarke-Smith says he was working as a supply teacher in Aspley. His political journey has therefore been "quite a rollercoaster", he told Nottinghamshire Live on July 8.
Mr Clarke-Smith has before been outspoken about education in the UK, particularly when it comes down to political neutrality in lessons. Mr Clarke-Smith raised his concerns after pictures of Year 6 pupils at Welbeck Primary School in the Meadows were posted on Twitter depicting them writing a letter to the Prime Minister to condemn him and expressing he should resign of Partygate.
His last promotion came at the beginning of the year when he was appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Minister of State (Minister Without Portfolio) in the Cabinet Office. Mr Clarke-Smith expressed unfaltering support for the PM even despite the Partygate scandal and the most recent events surrounding the appointment of deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.
Describing Mr Johnson's leadership and his resignation he said: "As disappointed as I was, I believe he can feel immensely proud of what he has achieved, the way he has changed the destiny of this nation for the better and the enduring legacy he will leave us with."
And speaking to Nottinghamshire Live after his new appointment he says "not bad for a working-class lad from Clifton."
He added: "I am honoured and truly humbled to be asked to serve in Her Majesty’s Government as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education. It is particularly special for me from a personal perspective, as a former teacher and head, who only left the profession when I entered Parliament in 2019. I now want to use this passion to make a difference and level up education and opportunities across the country."
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