Higher profile for regional minister

Oct 4 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

NORTH East Minister Nick Brown pledged to help get the region through economic turmoil after yesterday returning to the Cabinet in a dramatic reshuffle.

The promise came as Tories and Liberal Democrats questioned Mr Brown’s focus after the Prime Minister also made him the Government’s Chief Whip, where he will have to keep Labour’s rebellious MPs in order.

Gordon Brown delivered a major shock by appointing former Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson as Business Secretary despite controversial Cabinet resignations.

Potential leadership rival David Miliband, MP for South Shields, remained as Foreign Secretary while Alistair Darling kept his job as Chancellor. Jacqui Smith remains as Home Secretary, while Margaret Beckett becomes Housing Minister.

John Hutton, who made way for Mr Mandelson, replaced Des Browne as Defence Secretary. Former Chief Whip Geoff Hoon takes the transport portfolio from Ruth Kelly.

No 10 announced a new department covering energy and climate change headed by Ed Miliband, who moves from the Cabinet Office.

Speaking to The Journal, Nick Brown said: “I am delighted that Gordon has appointed me Chief Whip and Minister for the North East.

“I am looking forward to the new role and I will do my best in both jobs, but will particularly focus on getting our region through the current liquidity crisis.”

He said he could successfully do both roles having been Deputy Chief Whip and regional minister, adding: “I challenge the Liberal Democrats and Tories to match my work rate.”

Mr Brown was also confirmed as chairman of a Government committee of regional ministers and will be involved in a new regional economic council to cope with financial issues. The Newcastle East and Wallsend MP, who was Chief Whip 11 years ago, warned colleagues not to squabble among themselves. “I guess my job is to pursue that essential unity in the party,” he said.

Andrew Sugden, from the North East Chamber of Commerce, welcomed news that Mr Brown would remain as regional minister.

“Everything we have seen from Nick Brown since he has been regional minister has been really encouraging, his passion about this region, and I don’t think he would allow anything to undermine that,” he said.

Senior Newcastle Liberal Democrat councillor Greg Stone, who will be fighting for the Newcastle East seat, said: “Nick Brown will be fending off leadership challenges and rebellions, so I don’t know how much time he will have for the North East. I think we will be playing second fiddle.”

Lee Martin, Tory group leader on Sunderland Council, claimed Mr Brown could face a clash between the region’s needs and Government policy and questioned why another Labour MP was not appointed Minister for the North East.

But Labour’s Ronnie Campbell, MP for Blyth Valley, said: “I am sure he can do both jobs, no problem. The Minister for the North East is sitting in the Cabinet so we can put all our complaints to Nick Brown to raise them in the Cabinet.”