PM to appoint backbenchers to the role of Parliamentary Private Secretaries
Karl Stagno-Navarra PRIME Minister Lawrence Gonzi will this week appoint a number of his backbench MPs to the post of Parliamentary Private Secretaries (PPSs) who will act as ministerial contacts to parliament.
The move is set to consolidate the PN parliamentary group after months of unrest that recently led to the suggestion that the Prime Minister could be “challenged.”
Among those to be appointed PPSs are Jesmond Mugliett, Philip Mifsud, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Beppe Fenech Adami, Edwin Vassallo, Charlò Bonnici, Franco Debono and Jean-Pierre Farrugia.
Sources close to the prime minister told MaltaToday that in order to appoint MPs to the post of PPS, amendments are currently being made to the Code of Ethics to Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries. The system to be put in place is based on the model used by the House of Commons in the United Kingdom.
Addressing the media last Friday at Castille, Gonzi hinted that he intended to use the UK system because he believes the backbenchers can bring ministers “closer to the people by assisting them in their work for the country’s progress.”
The move has received positive reactions from PN backbenchers who are claiming to have “finally been listened to”.
They stressed that the prime minister intends to rid himself of the general perception that he operates by exclusionism, when it comes to his ‘inner circle’.
MaltaToday is informed that the Prime Minister has asked his ministers to submit the names of MPs they wish to have assigned to them as PPSs. The list is reportedly almost finalised and will also include MPs assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Although not paid other than their salary as MPs, PPSs will be allowed to sit on parliamentary select committees. But they will be warned to avoid “associating themselves with recommendations critical of, or embarrassing to the government,” and must not make statements or ask questions on matters affecting their minister’s department.
Aides to the prime minister have explained that this methodology of operation – as successfully adopted by the UK House of Commons – will safeguard government from embarrassing situations of conflict of interest.
A case in point is where planning or local government is concerned. A PPS may not involve himself in planning decisions or in the consideration of planning cases.
PPSs are expected to act as part of the payroll vote, voting in line with the government on every division, and regarded as members of the government for purposes of collective responsibility.
Similarly, they must not appear as a representative for any special policies.
When on official ministerial business, PPSs’ travel and subsistence allowances are paid out of government funds, as with formal members of government. This makes the PPS the only type of unpaid advisor who receives reimbursement in the course of their duty.
As a last resort for ministers who pull out of an event for whatever reason, a PPS may stand in for the minister at the event. This will only happen in exceptional circumstances and must be justified by the minister in charge of the department. If this event is overseas, it will again require the prime minister’s consent.
While sources have told MaltaToday that the Office of the Prime Minister will have two PPSs, these are expected to be given “special assignments” and at times may take the role of ‘special envoys’ to attract foreign direct investment to Malta and the creation of new jobs.
In the UK, the role of a PPS is considered to be a step towards the front bench, and is also adopted by the Opposition to assist the shadow ministers.
The system has recently come under criticism by the Tories. After the leaking of party details in emails associated with MP Desmond Swayne, PPS to David Cameron, a writer of the Thirsk and Malton Labour Party constituency blog commented:
“A PPS is a thankless job. Despite having risen to the rank of MP, those with governmental ambitions will need to pay their dues once more – as a bag carrier. Admittedly, PPSs are a bit more than that – you are supposed to be the eyes and ears, reporting back to your boss all the gossip, what people are saying about your work in the bars and cafes of Westminster…”
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