Weston MP John Penrose promoted in Tory reshuffle

19th January 2009

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose has been promoted as part of David Cameron’s shadow cabinet reshuffle today. He has been asked to join Ken Clarke’s new team as Shadow Minister for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

The promotion comes following Mr Penrose’s work as Private Parliamentary Secretary to Oliver Letwin MP working on the Conservative Party Policy Review, and on the Work and Pensions Select Committee scrutinising the Government’s performance on pensions, benefits and employment.

John has a strong business background; before becoming an MP he worked in banking for JP Morgan, in management consulting for McKinsey, and has run publishing companies for Pearson PLC as well as on his own account.

Mr Penrose said:

“I'm delighted David Cameron asked me to join Ken Clarke's team. With the economy reeling and job losses mounting it's going to be an important and difficult topic, but we've got to show how to get British companies back on their feet quickly and cheaply.

"Weston isn't immune from the recession either; Woolies has closed, many local businesses are fighting to keep their heads above water and local people are feeling the pinch. I'm afraid the Government aren't getting it right, so it's up to the Conservatives to show what needs to be done.”