Stuart Anderson MP has said that he is honoured to have been re-appointed to serve in the Government as an Assistant Whip. In this role, Stuart is responsible for helping to organise their party's contribution to parliamentary business and to the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Stuart has said that the appointment was approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II on the 7th of September to be announced on the 8th of September – the day that she sadly passed away.
This means that Stuart’s appointment was one of the last acts that Elizabeth II carried out in her constitutional role as Sovereign. Stuart has said that he is humbled to have been appointed at this significant time in the nation’s history, with the accession of King Charles III. He is inspired by Elizabeth II’s inspirational example of lifelong, selfless service to the nation right until the very end and has vowed to carry out the role to the best of his ability.
On the 21st of September 2022, Stuart swore an Oath of Allegiance on the floor of the House of Commons to King Charles III. He said: “I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.”
As an Assistant Government Whip, Stuart will be responsible for achieving a high level of attendance in important proceedings – ensuring that the Government is supported to deliver on its agenda to reform that has been set out by the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss MP. Stuart said that he is delighted to have been assigned specific responsibilities to the Ministry of Defence (MOD). As a veteran, Stuart has proactively championed the interests of the Armed Forces community in his role as a Member of Parliament. He has said that he looks forward to continuing to deliver on the Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of veterans and their families.
Prior to becoming Assistant Government Whip, Stuart served on the House of Commons Defence Select Committee for more than two years. He co-authored a series of high-profile reports which influenced government policy on its approach towards, for example, veteran welfare and ensuring that Defence becomes a more attractive sector for female recruits. Stuart also served on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which provides an important forum to promote mutual understanding between parliamentarians from NATO countries. In this role, he worked with counterparts from across Europe to strengthen their support for Ukraine.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “I am delighted to have been re-appointed as an Assistant Government Whip, with specific responsibilities for the Ministry of Defence. I was humbled that my appointment was approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II on the 7th of September to be announced on the 8th of September – the day that she sadly passed away. This means that my appointment was one of the last acts that Elizabeth II carried out in her constitutional role as Sovereign. It underscores Elizabeth II’s inspirational example of lifelong, selfless service to the nation right until the very end.
In this role, I will help to facilitate my party’s contribution to parliamentary business – ensuring that we deliver on our commitments, including ensuring that veterans and their families get the help that they deserve. I am looking forward to fulfilling this role to the best of my ability.”
Whips are MPs or Members of the House of Lords that are appointed by each party in Parliament to help organise their party's contribution to parliamentary business.