James Forsyth James Forsyth

Meet Mr Efficiency

James Forsyth talks to Transport Secretary Philip Hammond about missing out on being sent to the Treasury, and why ministerial boxes need their own special cars

issue 12 June 2010

On the table outside Phillip Hammond’s office is a red box with the words ‘Secretary of State for Transport’ embossed in gold. Realising it has caught my eye, Hammond opens it up — it’s empty, as befits a diligent minister. I ask if he follows the ‘Yes Minister rule’ — starting at the bottom to see what his department doesn’t want him to read.

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