New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
19 October 2012

Sir George Young appointed new Chief Whip

The man nicknamed the "Bicycling Baronet" is announced as Andrew Mitchell's replacement.

By George Eaton

After earlier briefing that the new Chief Whip would not be announced until tomorrow, Downing Street has just named Sir George Young as Andrew Mitchell’s replacement. Since Young left the cabinet in last month’s reshuffle (he had served as Leader of the House since 2010), one advantage of his appointment is that Cameron will be not be required to make any further ministerial changes.

Nicknamed the “Bicycling Baronet” for his love of cycling, one hopes that Young, an Old Etonian, treats “the plebs” with more respect than his predecessor. He would be advised not to repeat his infamous quip that “the homeless are what you step over when you come out of the opera.”

Incidentally, just to add to the sense that there is some divine curse on this government, Young, along with his children, once appeared with Jimmy Savile on a British Rail poster promoting the transport of bicycles by rail. The promo below still features on his website.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth
<strong>What kind of tax reforms would stimulate growth?</strong>
How to end the poverty premium