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Written Question
Department for Transport: Public Appointments
Friday 19th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in her Department.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Current Direct Ministerial Appointments are set out in the table below:

Name

Role

Remuneration

Time Commitment

Term

Laura Shoaf

Shadow Great British Railways Chair

£1,600 day rate

Up to two days a week

19/3/2026

Lee McDonough

HS2 Shareholder Board Independent Member

Nil

1 day every 2 months

12 months

Andrew Sage

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Anne-Lise Scaillierez

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Christopher Bradshaw

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Duncan Walker

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Gary Elliott

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Jayne Golding

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

JoeBen Bevirt

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Kate Kennally

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Kevin Craven

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Louisa Smith

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Marc Bailey

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Neil Pakey

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Richard Parker

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Simon Masters

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Rose Rouse

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Sophie O'Sullivan

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified

Stuart Simpson

Future of Flight Industry Group Member

Nil

1.5 hour per meeting approx 2 meetings per year

Not Specified


Written Question
Ministry of Defence: Public Appointments
Friday 19th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in his Department.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Department has 41 direct Ministerial appointments, across seven entities. These are as follows:

Defence Industrial Joint Council

Name

Job title

Annual remuneration

Time commitment (per annum)

Expected end date

Dr Charles Woodburn

Chair

£0

4 days (minimum)

15/04/2026

Dame Fiona Murray CMG CBE

Deputy Chair

£0

4 days (minimum)

29/04/2026

Michael Ord

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

29/04/2026

Kevin Craven

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Kata Escott CB

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

David Lockwood OBE

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Gary Smith

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

05/06/2026

Craig Beddis

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Ned Baker

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

01/06/2026

Kerry Baker

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Joanne O'Doherty

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

01/06/2026

Paul Livingston CBE

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Andrew Kinniburgh

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Nick Sharpe

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Louis Mosley

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Mike Clancy

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

05/06/2026

Steve Wadey

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Tufan Erginbilgic

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

01/06/2026

Julian David OBE

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Graham Booth

Member

£0

4 days (minimum)

22/05/2026

Defence Investors Advisory Group

Name

Job title

Annual remuneration

Time commitment (per annum)

Expected end date

Kerry Baldwin

Co-Chair

£0

15 days

31/03/2026

Dame Sharron White DBE

Co-Chair

£0

15 days

31/03/2026

Three members: names have been omitted due to commercial sensitivity.

Member

£0

9 days

31/03/2026

Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan

Name

Job title

Annual remuneration

Time commitment (per annum)

Expected end date

The Rt Hon Lord Justice Charles Haddon-Cave

Chair

£256,000

Full time

No fixed date

LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme Independent Panel

Name

Job title

Annual remuneration

Time commitment (per annum)

Expected end date

Lord Brian Paddick

Chair

£86,250

115 days

02/02/2027

Alison Brown MBE

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

Francis Castle MBE

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

Dr Matthew Gould

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

Hannah Graf MBE

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

Craig Jones MBE

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

Caroline Paige MBE

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

Dr Annabell Poate-Joiner

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

Emma Riley

Member

£57,500

115 days

14/05/2027

LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme Appeals Board

Name

Job title

Annual remuneration

Time commitment (per annum)

Expected end date

Douglas Bosphore-Ward MBE

Chair

£37,500

50 days

14/05/2027

Judith Henry

Member

£25,000

50 days

14/05/2027

Rachael Ruxton

Member

£25,000

50 days

14/05/2027

Tracey Myhill

Member

£25,000

50 days

14/05/2027

Octric Semiconductors Ltd

Name

Job title

Annual remuneration

Time commitment (per annum)

Expected end date

Graham Love

Interim Chair

£120,000

104 days

13/09/2026

Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State for Defence

Name

Job title

Annual remuneration

Time commitment (per annum)

Expected end date

Prof Malcolm Chalmers

Adviser

£162,500

260 days

03/02/2027


Written Question
Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Public Appointments
Thursday 18th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in her Department.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has no direct ministerial appointments.


Written Question
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Public Appointments
Thursday 18th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in her Department.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Please see a list of all the Direct Ministerial Appointments (DMAs) in DSIT to date, including job title, renumeration, time commitment and expected end date.

Live Appointments:

  • Matt Clifford: the Prime Minister’s AI Opportunities Advisor. 1 day per week, Term Dates: 13/01/2024 - 13/01/2026.
  • Dr Dan Mahoney: Life Sciences Investment Envoy. 15 days per year, Term Dates:18/11/2024 - 18/05/2026.
  • Theo Blackwell: Local Digital Champion. 2 days per week, Term Dates: 13/01/2025 - 31/12/2025.
  • Yoshua Bengio: International AI Safety Report Chair. 26 days per year, Term Dates: 29/01/2025 - 31/03/2026.
  • Lord David Willetts: Regulatory Innovation Office Chair. 36 days per year, Term Dates: 07/03/2025 - 07/03/2027
  • Steve Bates: Office for Life Sciences Executive Chair. Full-time, Term Dates: 29/09/2025 - 29/03/2027.
  • Anne Lingford-Hughes, Peter Johnson, Hilary Evans-Newton, Nadeem Sarwar, Husseini Manji, Kathryn Abel and Naveed Sattar: OLS Healthcare Goals Chairs, 4-8 days per month, Term Dates: 30/09/2025 - 05/03/2027 (DHSC appointments with joint accountability between DHSC, DSIT and DBT)
  • Simon Johnson, Tom Blomfield and Raia Hadsell: AI Ambassadors. 2 days per year, Term Dates: 21/11/2025 - 21/11/2026.
  • James Wise: Sovereign AI Champion, 10 days per year. Term Dates: 21/11/2025 - 21/11/2026.
  • Anne Marie Imafidon: Women in Tech Envoy. 20 days per year, Term Dates: 15/12/2025 - 15/06/2027.
  • Prof. Sir Jonathan Irving Bell: Life Sciences Champions, 30 days per year, Term Dates: 01/01/2011 - 31/122025
  • Sir Jon Symonds: Life Sciences Champions, 30 days per year, Term Dates: 01/01/2021- 31/12/2025.

Appointments that have now ended

  • Matt Clifford: Lead Reviewer of the Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. 4-8 days per month, Term Dates: 22/07/2024 - 03/09/2024.
  • Martha Lane Fox (Co-Chair), Poppy Gustafsson, Paul Willmott (Co-Chair), Jeni Tennison, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, Lou Cordwell, Aaron Maniam, David Eaves, Sarah Hunter, Lisa Harrington, Josie Cluer and Lord Richard Allan: Digital Centre Design Panel Members. 1 day a month, Date: 30/09/2024 - 04/01/2025.
  • Ian Hogarth: AI Safety Institute Chair. 10 days per year, Term Dates: 10/02/2025 - 09/12/2025.

Appointments made before July 2024 (publicly available information)

  • David Morris: UK Government Space Advisor. 2022 to 2024.
  • Simon Fell: Rural Connectivity Champion. 2023 to 2024.
  • Hilary Evans: Co-Chair for Dementia Mission. 2023 to 2024.
  • Nadeem Sarwar: Co-Chair for the Dementia Mission. 2023 to 2024.
  • Stephen McPartland: Chair of the McPartland Review. 2024.
  • Alice Sullivan: Independent Reviewer of Data Collection. 2024.

Written Question
NHS: Recruitment
Thursday 18th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 73329 on NHS: Recruitment and with reference to the his Department's press release entitled NHS App overhaul will break down barriers to healthcare and reduce inequalities, published on 25 June 2025, if he will list the types of convictions that (a) will and (b) will not be eligible for the Widening Access Demonstrator programme.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department is unable to provide a list of convictions which would automatically prevent someone from being accepted on the Widening Access Demonstrator (WAD) programme as this depends on the role applied for, the nature and seriousness of the offence, and the safeguarding risks to patients and other colleagues. All National Health Service employers have well-established and robust employment checks in place, including Disclosure and Barring Service checks for eligible roles, to assess a person’s suitability and uphold the safety of patients and staff. Anyone seeking employment through the WAD programme is subject to these same rigorous processes.


Written Question
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Public Appointments
Thursday 18th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in his Department.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We will publish data on MHCLG’s Direct Ministerial Appointments in line with recent guidance.


Division Vote (Commons)
17 Dec 2025 - National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill - View Vote Context
Charlie Dewhirst (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 91 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 165
Written Question
Scotland Office: Public Appointments
Wednesday 17th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in his Department.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

The Scotland Office does not have any Direct Ministerial Appointments.


Written Question
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Public Appointments
Wednesday 17th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in her Department.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

There are four current Direct Ministerial Appointees.

Andrew Morlet is Chair of the Circular Economy Taskforce. He is remunerated at £15,600 per year with a time commitment of one day per week. His appointment is due to end on 3 February 2026.

Paul Ekins is Deputy Chair of the Circular Economy Taskforce. He receives £15,600 annually with a time commitment of one day per week. His appointment is due to end on 3 February 2026.

Philip Stocker is the Chair of the Dartmoor Land Management Group. He is paid £20,114.88 per annum with a commitment of four days per month. His appointment ends 28 April 2026.

Peter Troughton is appointed as a Chequers Trustee. This is an unremunerated position, the time commitment is not specified, and the appointment is due to conclude on 16 August 2027.


Written Question
Department for Business and Trade: Public Appointments
Wednesday 17th December 2025

Asked by: Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the (a) name, (b) job title, (c) annual remuneration, (d) time commitment and (e) expected end date is for each direct ministerial appointment in his Department.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Direct ministerial appointments are published on GOV.UK in line with Cabinet Office best practice.

Current direct ministerial appointments in the department are:

Name(s) and Job Title

Annual Remuneration

Time Commitment

Expected End Date

Press Release Link

Jon Bolton,
Steel Council, Co-Chair

£850 per day

47 days per annum

31 December 2025 (TBC)

Link (2025 appointment)

Nita Clarke Non-Executive Board Member

£15,000

20 days per annum

10 December 2027

Link (2024 appointment)

Professor Chris Dungey
Advanced Manufacturing AI Champion

Unremunerated

No specific time commitment

1 December 2026

Link (2025 appointment)

Doug Gurr Interim Chair, Competition and Markets Authority

£106,666

Up to 2 days per week

21 July 2026

Link

Richard Judge
Independent Regulatory Reviewer

£500 per day

1 day per week

20 October 2026

Link (2025 appointment)

Nigel Railton
Interim Chair, Post Office

Up to £150,000

2 days per week

25 May 2028

Link (2025 appointment)

Shaheen Sayed
Professional Businesses Services AI Champion

Unremunerated

50 hours over 1 year appointment

25 November 2026

PBS announcement and DSIT AI champions link

Samantha Seaton Smart Data Council Co-Chair

Unremunerated

20 days per annum

17 October 2027

Link (2025 appointment)

Professor Sir Steve Smith
International Education Champion

Unremunerated

No specific time commitment

30 September 2026

Link (original 2020 appointment) Link (2024 reappointment)

Omar Ali, Mike Hawes OBE, Dame Vivian Hunt DBE, Allison Kirkby, Paul Lindley OBE, Catherine McGuinness CBE, Michelle Ovens CBE, Mike Soutar, Sarah Walker, Charles Woodburn CBE Board of Trade Advisers

Unremunerated

Meets quarterly. Occasional ad-hoc commitments

13 March 2026

Link (2025 appointment)

Dame Clare Barclay (Chair), Kate Bell, Rt Hon Greg Clark, Professor Dame Diane Coyle, Greg Jackson, Tunde Olanrewaju, Henry G Overman, Henrik L Pedersen, Dr Aislinn Rice, Roy Rickhuss, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell (Deputy Chair) Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, Members

£800 per day

Up to 2-3 days per month

13 April 2026 (Chair) 17 June 2026 (Members)

Link (2025 appointment)

Appointees are listed alphabetically by surname.