Speaking for the first time at the despatch box is a nerve-wracking experience for any politician. But speaking for the first time at the despatch box while also making your debut as a Secretary of State is enough to give most people cause for an impromptu sick day. Add to that the small matter of a threatened backbench rebellion if you don’t manage to reverse planned cuts to your department and one could be forgiven for feeling a little bit sorry for Gavin Williamson today.
Following weeks of controversy about his surprise promotion, this afternoon the former Chief Whip made his debut as Defence Secretary. In Williamson’s first Defence Questions, Labour’s Kevan Jones began the session by unhelpfully highlighting his lack of experience – welcoming the honourable gentleman to his new post – and ‘to the world of defence’.
However, Williamson put in a solid – if at times repetitive – performance which suggested he was ready to take the fight to Philip Hammond over defence funding. Asked by Julian Lewis, the chair of the Commons defence committee, if he would pressure the Chancellor to increase the GDP target from 2pc to 3pc, Williamson made clear that he would not be a ‘yes man’ to the Treasury:
‘I’ve always seen 2pc as a base as against a ceiling, and I will certainly be taking on board his thoughts and comments going forward.’
Not that Williamson has managed to pressure Philip Hammond yet. When pressed, he would only say that he often spoke to the Chancellor – and would continue to do so ‘moving forward’. It was left to Labour to point out that a pre-Budget chat might have proved most effective.
In a sign of the difficulties ahead, James Gray, the Conservative backbencher, told Williamson he would face a ‘very substantial rebellion’ if he tried to cut the size of the armed forces. But the most awkward moment in the session was saved for Tobias Elwood, the well-respected defence minister. Following reports that Elwood would quit if the army cuts are imposed’, Chris Bryant asked if the Conservative MP would visit his constituency given that he might soon have more time on his hands. His reply? ‘I’m not sure how useful I’d be if I did have spare time in the future’,
Williamson’s competent performance today will reassure many in the party that his fast track promotion could still work out. However, it’s clear that the department he takes charge of has many pressing problems that he will need to get a grip on fast if he is to stave off a Conservative rebellion. The challenge is that the fall in the value of the pound puts a particular stretch on the MoD’s budget. First on Williamson’s list, a meeting with the Chancellor.
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