Brighton MP becomes ministerial aide

Sport and Tourism Minister Hugh Robertson has appointed the Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby as his parliamentary private secretary (PPS).

Mr Kirby’s unpaid job will give him an insight into the life of a minister as he helps him with his duties in the House of Commons and supports his work in government.

Mr Robertson’s role as Minister for Sport and Tourism includes responsibility for sport, the Olympic and Paralympic legacy, tourism, gambling, licensing and the national lottery.

Mr Kirby said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this influential role which will allow me to be a strong voice for my constituency on two issues that are very important to the area – sport and tourism.

Simon Kirby

“Over the course of the summer we have seen the tremendous impact that sport has in communities across the UK and is certainly valued extremely highly in Brighton Kemptown.

“We have some great sporting institutions in the area including Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Sussex County Cricket Club, Brighton Racecourse and Brighton Rugby Club not to mention community clubs like Whitehawk FC, Saltdean Tennis Club, Brighton Swimming Club and many more.

“We have an active population that I know are keen participate in and watch more sport than ever in the wake of the 2012 Olympics.

“Tourism has been central to the area’s development over the last 250 years and will play a crucial role in its future.

“It benefits the local economy to the tune of over £1 billion and supports tens of thousands of jobs.

“Both sport and tourism are incredibly important to Brighton Kemptown and in my new position I will have direct access to the minister responsible for both areas of policy.

“I will also be working within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which has been doing fantastic work developing superfast broadband, with significant implications for Brighton and Hove’s digital media sector.

“I am very pleased that I will now be able to advance the interests of the area from a position of real influence.”

PPSs are sometimes described as ministerial bag carriers but the job has also been the first rung on the promotion ladder for many.

And although the 47-year-old Conservative MP will be unpaid in his post, as a PPS he is regarded as part of the payroll vote.

That is, he has to vote with the coalition government or risk losing his job and any immediate prospect of becoming a minister.