to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

From now on we can expect Simon to become an even more loyal supporter of this shameful government. Especially with its selective policies on levelling up and growth:

emphasising growth through investment zone tax breaks rather than long-term investment in the infrastructure we are all crying out for;

deregulation across the board to encourage “build,build, build” housing development at all costs [loose talk from Kwarteng having spooked the bond markets, causing interest rates to rocket and kicking the housing market over a cliff];

local government chronically starved of cash, with Devon County on the brink of bankruptcy.

Despite this “eyes and ears” appointment being unpaid, Simon has de facto accepted Truss’ shilling and joined the sinking ship.

Not a good time, nor a good cause, to start climbing the greasy pole.

From Simon Jupp MP’s web page:

I have been appointed a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. It’s an unpaid, non-ministerial role. With a new PM, there’s a lot to cover – including levelling up, national planning policy, overseeing local government, and introducing more devolution with deals being discussed in Devon and Cornwall. As your MP, East Devon will of course come first.