CONOR Burns MP and Tobias Ellwood MP are reported (Daily Echo February 7) as being “unable” to sign the campaign asking for reconsideration by the government of its support of wind farms on the basis that they are Parliamentary Private Secretaries (PPSs).
Whilst I do not seek to comment on the rights or wrongs of wind farms there is an important principle at stake regarding these members ability to support a given position.
Whilst it is correct that as PPSs they are subject to the “Payroll Whip” it is, of course, open to them to stand down as a PPS if their conscience dictated that they were unable to support the government for example because the representation of their constituents took precedence.
The role of PPS is, however, recognised as the first rung on the ladder towards a Ministerial career. In this instance it may be that personal ambition is weighing more heavily than the interests of the electorate.
Let us not be under any illusion that there is no choice available to individual MPs in this position.
COLIN PIPE Durley Gardens, Bournemouth
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