Thread by @GuyOpperman

Am staying out of the #ToryLeadershipElection, as it is down to members now, but some thoughts on this proposal to merge govt depts:
- I start with a desire for more devolution to local areas, more local accountability / powers
+ have championed #Borderlands + #NorthofTyne
1/

Any Minister will tell you that
- a good relationship with Treasury is key, so integration is attractive ... if you still get joined up govt.
There are good arguments that @DFID_UK + @foreignoffice could, + probably, should merge to create synergy of govt approach 2/

More important than physical co location is the attitude + cooperation of ministers + civil servants. If they work well together, without ego, then stuff happens. So while infrastructure + transport have synergy, but justice was rightly taken out of the home office by Blair 3/

Am v proud of the efforts of @hmtreasury Minister + my friend @JohnGlenUK + I to address #FinancialInclusion together through joint working, work on @TheFCA, #TPR, mid cost credit, community banks, lifesavers, debt, breathing space, the #FinancialInclusionForum + more 4/

I do agree with @AmberRuddHR that @DWP should be kept a stand alone dept: this is vital, given its key #employment delivery and support role, with brilliant work coaches at 600+ sites + crucial #pensions element. But it can still be reformed, improved + made to work better 5/

But surely the best argument for smaller govt departments is more #Devolution to #NorthernPowerhouse + the regions.
With great local #power comes great local #responsibility Ends/