THE old cliché that a week is a long time in politics often rings true but seldom more so than when the week in question involves a reshuffle and an unexpected change in role!

I am absolutely delighted to be moving to the Treasury to take over responsibility for banking and financial services as Economic Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister).

There could hardly be a more important or exciting time to engage with the sector, which contributes so much to our economy – not just in terms of wealth and employment - but also vital stability and continuity for all businesses, wage earners and consumers.

The change means that all of the events and meetings that were in my London diary are either abandoned or will be attended by my successor, while, at the time of writing, I am eagerly waiting to meet my new department and learn what my new schedule has in store for me!

It has been a great privilege and pleasure to oversee arts, heritage and tourism for the past seven months. With 117 visits under my belt, I certainly leave with a deeper appreciation and admiration for the creative industries than ever before.

It is pleasing that one of my final meetings in the role saw an agreement reached that has kept the merger of Salisbury arts organisations on track – hopefully guaranteeing a vibrant and secure future for all of the participants.

Whatever my duties in Westminster in the coming weeks and months, the constituency remains my top priority and, tomorrow, I will be back at my weekly advice surgery doing my best to help people tackle the personal and practical problems that life throws at all of us from time to time.

I have also been pleased to accept invitations to meet community transport providers, to join residents at a local congestion hotspot and to speak to Highways England to catch up on progress on strategic projects both within and affecting the constituency.

I end the day at the opening of the latest exhibition at Salisbury’s excellent Young Gallery – I do hope I will still be welcome there now that I am no longer the Arts Minister!