Commenting on his retirement from the Government at the weekend, Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said today:
“I am proud to have served for six years as a Minister in David Cameron’s Government and to have played a part in bringing the country back from the brink of economic chaos several years ago. During my time in Government I particularly enjoyed my three years at the Ministry of Defence and in that regard, I am pleased the new Prime Minister, Theresa May MP, has now asked me to carry out a study into the use of reserves, which will take around a year to complete.
In total, since being appointed the Opposition junior whip back in July 2002, I did fourteen years on the front bench in both Opposition and in Government, so I have to say, I have had a good run. I have some wonderful memories, from being “held hostage” at Buckingham Palace as part of the State Opening of Parliament, through to visiting our troops when they were successfully fighting Ebola out in Sierra Leone.
Now I am no longer a Minister, this should give me additional time to dedicate to constituency matters, which I hope will be to the benefit of my constituents.”
Mark, who is a former TA infantry officer, has also been asked by the new Prime Minister, Theresa May MP, to use his MOD experience to conduct a year long study into the use of Britain’s Reserve Forces.