CONSERVATIVE backbench MP Sir Desmond Swayne urged a senior minister to persuade the new chief of staff to concentrate the Government on "doing fewer things a bit better".

The New Forest West representative made the comments following the appointment of Steve Barclay MP.

Mr Barclay was named chief of staff alongside his role as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, February 7, Sir Desmond said: “On the whole, governments don’t do things well. So will he persuade the new chief of staff to concentrate the Government’s efforts on doing fewer things a bit better?”

In response, Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis said he had "no doubt" Mr Barclay would perform all of his functions "with excellence".