Rishi Sunak strips ministerial role from Watford MP

Dean Russell was in the role of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from September 20 to October 27.

He confirmed the decision to remove him from the role was made by the new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.

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Mr Russell’s loss of his first ministerial role comes after he seemed to suggest on Twitter, he would have backed Boris Johnson in a second stint as prime minister.

However, when the Watford Observer asked Mr Russell if he was planning on supporting Mr Johnson to be the prime minister again the question was not answered.  

After @BorisJohnson’s decision not to go forward to the membership vote, I have spoken to @RishiSunak

He assured me of his aims to unite the party, deliver Brexit opportunities and focus on growth.

The UK needs certainty which is why I will vote for Rishi today.

— Dean Russell MP (@dean4watford) October 24, 2022

Commenting on the role removal, a spokesperson for Mr Russell said: “During Dean's time in post, he worked to ensure small businesses were strongly represented and that workers’ rights were top of the agenda.

“This included ensuring his own tips bill, ensuring workers keep their tips and gratuities, reached report stage and ensuring the government supported Private Members Bills to improve maternity rights and extend carers leave.

“Dean was proud to secure support for the Economic Crime Bill & Retained EU Law Bill, which will make the UK one of the most secure and best places in the world to live, work or start a business.”

The Watford MP's spokesperson said he is no longer in the role due to the new government forming.

They said: “Dean is no longer in the role as changes are often made to ministerial roles as a natural part of the political cycle especially when a new government is formed.”

A new group of ministers have now been appointed in Mr Russell’s previous department. 

Rishi Sunak appointed his cabinet days after he was confirmed as the new prime minister on October 24.

Mr Russell's Twitter bio no longer says he is a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. (Image: Screen shot)

A spokesperson for Mr Russell continued: “Dean will fully support the prime minister from the backbenches and will continue to champion Watford at every opportunity.

“This includes continuing his campaign for Watford General Hospital funding, promoting better mental health, securing the new Watford Police Station, helping end rough sleeping and supporting the ‘Save our Nightclub’ campaign.”

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