NEW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT ANNOUNCED

Peter Luff, Conservative MP for Mid-Worcestershire and the city’s former MP, is the new minister with responsibility for defence equipment, writes Worcester News

He will be in charge of a £15 billion annual departmental budget covering everything from the planned delivery of the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers to the supply of millions of rounds of ammunition for the Armed Forces.

Mr Luff said he “relished the opportunity” after taking office on Monday this week, but that the department faced “tough choices” against a backdrop of cuts and savings in public spending.

The new role means he will report directly to the Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox, and head the Defence Equipment and Support branch based mainly in Bristol.

Mr Luff admitted his new role put him in the “eye of the storm” as far as public expenditure goes with the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, Britain’s continuing battle against terror threats and the looming strategic defence review expected to be announced.

Mr Luff, former chairman of the parliamentary business committee in the last Parliament, was called by the Prime Minister David Cameron on Saturday with the job offer.

“He said it probably wasn’t the job I was expecting, because I was expecting something in the business department.

“You don’t get choices in politics, you are given options which you either accept or reject and it was an extremely pleasant surprise.

“This is better because I can build on my knowledge of business and challenge myself.”

He assured constituents he would not neglect them, despite his new role, saying: “first and foremost is the mandate from my constituency”.

Asked if he was nervous taking the reins of a key defence ministerial position, he replied: “Apprehensive is the word, but I’m really pleased.

“This gives me the chance to do important things over the next term, which is what all politicians go into politics to do.”

Original article published in Worcester News on 26-05-2010