Ipswich MP among PPSs staying on as roles get bigger remit

Why it matters: The parliamentary private secretary (PPS) role is the first rung on the ladder to becoming a minister. Although unpaid, PPSs sit on the so-called government payroll, meaning they are expected to vote and argue in line with the government's position of the day.

The details: Chief whip Anneliese Midgley has written to Labour MPs to confirm the appointments of PPSs across government departments, following consultations between the prime minister and every secretary of state.

The reforms will give PPSs "greater opportunities to undertake media and parliamentary activity, including on national policy", subject to agreement from departmental media advisers, Number 10, and in line with government policy.

The appointments include three PPSs for Andy Burnham, along with roles for MPs who had quit government in a bid to force Sir Keir Starmer out, including Rosie Wrighting, Gordon McKee and Luke Charters.

What they're saying: Abbott said: "I'm really pleased to be staying on as Lisa Nandy's Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) in the expanded Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – you couldn't ask for a better boss.

"I'm proud of what we've achieved so far, from the National Youth Strategy to the Arts Everywhere Fund, but I know we've got lots more to do."

Midgley said the reforms were "part of the wider culture change we are determined to embed across the government", adding that the aim was to assemble "a diverse and talented group of PPSs, bringing together a broad range of experience, expertise and perspectives to support ministers and help deliver the prime minister's agenda".

In return, she asked that "every colleague bring their ideas, energy and engagement as we work together to deliver for the British people".

For context: Burnham confirmed days earlier that Nandy would remain as culture secretary, extending her time at the department beyond two years and making her the longest-serving culture secretary since Jeremy Hunt in 2010. She had been widely tipped for a reshuffle, with BBC director general Matt Brittin telling staff he expected a change in the role.

Nandy's in-tray includes a decision on whether to intervene in Paramount's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, ongoing talks with the BBC over its new charter, and legislation that would compel YouTube and TikTok to promote public service content from British broadcasters.

The bottom line: As the government reshapes the PPS role to give backbenchers more voice on national policy, and Ipswich prepares its 2029 City of Culture bid, Abbott is set to continue as Nandy's right-hand man.

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