ANDOVER’S MP has said he will “work round the clock to steady the ship in Government” in his new role as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Kit Malthouse was appointed to the position, which is currently the second highest ranking minister in the Cabinet Office, after a number of ministers resigned last week. Mr Malthouse was Policing Minister.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr Malthouse said: “While my party decides on a new leader, we have a duty to get on with the job of governing the country, and to put our shoulder to the wheel if we are asked to serve. I was asked, and I will roll my sleeves up and do my best to steady the ship at a time of political transition.

READ MORE: Kit Malthouse MP made Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster

“Over the coming weeks, I will be preparing government for the arrival of the new Prime Minister; building a delivery engine for their priorities; and making sure we don’t take our eye off the big challenges facing us as a country — dealing with the cost of living, growing the economy, standing up to Putin’s aggression, and moving on from the pandemic.

“When the new Prime Minister walks into Downing Street in September, he or she will pick up a steady and fully functioning operation, and will be ready to hit the ground running from day one.”

Mr Malthouse’s new responsibilities include oversight of all Cabinet Office policy and appointments; leading cross-government and public sector reform and efficiency, including digital and data reform; and oversight of Cabinet Office responsibilities on National Security and resilience, including the Civil Contingencies Secretariat and Cyber Security, to name just a few.

SEE ALSO: Andover woman raising money for her dad Adrian Battey after South Africa attack

The race to succeed Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party is picking up steam. On Wednesday the list of hopefuls was reduced to six when Jeremy Hunt and Nadhim Zahawi were eliminated after failing to receive 30 votes in the first ballot of Tory MPs – many of whom have not made their support public.

Mr Malthouse has been asked who he is backing to become the next party leader but he has yet to respond.

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