The appointment of relatively unknown MP James Purnell to the role of minister for pensions reform has been criticised by both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
Nigel Waterson, Conservative shadow pensions minister, says the timing of the appointment and removal of Timms is not in the best interests of the public. He adds: "It is a crying shame that pensioners will suffer because of the civil war within the Labour government. At this crucial time for pensions reform, we need continuity at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), not more musical chairs." Meanwhile, David Laws, shadow work and pensions spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, describes the removal of Stephen Timms at such a crucial time is "absurd" given the critical importance o...
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