Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 15th September 2022) here:
QEII
Last week saw not only a change in Government, but a new era for our country.
Within just 72 hours our country had a new Prime Minister and a new Monarch.
Like most reading this column I was not born when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II first ascended to the throne back in 1952, with her having already marked her silver jubilee the year before I arrived. For over seven decades she fulfilled the pledge she made back in 1947 to devote her whole life to public service, continuing to fulfil her duties until the very end, including personally appointing the new Prime Minister (Her 15th) on Tuesday. Her Majesty had been the constant in our public life, with her visits to our bay fondly remembered by many who were able to be part of them. Her reign was exceptional not just for its length, but for the depth of commitment to our nation she showed throughout.
Looking back on her reign it is now almost impossible to imagine how the Queen’s life started back in 1926. At the time few expected her to be a Monarch, it took a remarkable series of events to bring about her historic reign. Her Father, then known as Prince Albert, was the King’s second son, his elder brother Edward would be the next King. Additionally, if her Parents’ second child had been a boy, rather than a girl, under the laws of the time he would have jumped ahead of her in the line of succession. The Queen would not become the heir to the throne until the abdication crisis of 1936 saw her father become King George VI.
The events earlier this year to mark the Platinum Jubilee were a wonderful celebration of a life of service. After decades inviting people for tea at Buckingham Palace a special guest joined her, Paddington Bear. It was a quirky, funny and deeply touching tribute to a remarkable woman. As Paddington said: Thank you Ma’am, for everything.
HM Government
Whilst Ministers will be offered their role by the Prime Minister, they do not take office until the monarch approves their appointment, although by convention she never refuses her Prime Minister’s recommendations.
Reminders of the Crown are constant in Government, including on the front of the folders for briefing notes we are given to be used on visits or when attending Parliament.
Shortly I will be invited to swear a new oath to the King and the Government is already “His Majesty’s”, but like many colleagues it is something special to have been one of the final appointments by “Her Majesty” last week.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 23rd September 10am till 12Noon at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD. Appointments are needed.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
