Baroness Neville-Rolfe has stepped down as energy minister after just five months in post to be replaced by Lord Prior. That’s six energy ministers in six years – or more changes than the number of images that David Bowie had over a forty year career. (Come to think of it Baroness Neville-Rolfe has featured more changes of hair colour over her career than Bowie.)
So what’s the story? Given the universal importance of energy, surely playing pass the parcel with this portfolio cannot assist in creating a sustainable strategy. What is needed is someone who can take a long term view – someone who has vision and stick-to-it-iveness; someone who is prepared to engage and understand the complexities and the often conflicting challenges.
Lord Prior’s father, Jim Prior, who passed away last week, was given the the unenviable role of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during the troubles. In that position he won himself the reputation as someone who was fair and listened to all parties. Let us hope that the same is true of his son.
Philip Rodney is the chairman of Burness Paull. He is also this week’s Guest Editor.