Dawn Primarolo - Frontbench

Frontbench

Dawn Primarolo has held the following positions:

• 1992–1994: Opposition Spokesman for Health
• 1994–1997: Opposition Spokesman for the Treasury
• 1997–1999: Financial Secretary to the Treasury
• 1999–2007: Paymaster General
• 2007–2009: Minister of State for Public Health
• 2009–2010: Minister of State Children and Young People

Despite campaigning against the first Gulf War in 1991, she voted in favour of the Iraq War in 2003, and against any investigation into the invasion after it had taken place. On other 'key issues' (as described by TheyWorkForYou), she has voted in favour of ID cards and increased university tuition fees.

As Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo was responsible for the administration of the Tax Credits system, intended to provide working families with financial support. However, the administration of this system has received significant criticism, including allegations that some families have been left less well off as a result. In 2003, a Treasury select committee member accused her of "losing control of department" after it became known that Inland Revenue buildings under Primarolo's purview had been sold to tax-haven companies. This came shortly after she had "insisted ... the Child tax credit scheme was a 'success'", despite Inland Revenue staff walking out in protest against the pressure they were being placed under. She was also responsible for introducing the controversial IR35 tax rules. Primarolo was also the longest serving Paymaster General in the office's 200 year history.

In 2005, PM Tony Blair was forced to apologise after a report by the Parliamentary Ombudsman that Primarolo had failed to give Parliament accurate information. Primarolo admitted at the same time that she had been fully aware "about the extent of the problems".

As Minister of State for Public Health she was responsible for health improvement and health protection issues including such areas as tobacco, obesity, drugs and sexual health, as well as international business, pharmacy and research and development.

On 5 June 2009, Primarolo was moved again, this time succeeding Beverley Hughes as Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families at the Department for Children, Schools and Families. This gave her the right to attend cabinet when her responsibilities were on the agenda.

Primarolo's abilities as a minister have been questioned, with former Prime Minister Tony Blair revealing in his autobiography A Journey that he did not think she was "right for government" but had to give her a job because she was one of Gordon Brown's key allies; and political commentator Danny Finkelstein arguing that she was "contender no. 1" for title of "Labour's worst Minister".

Primarolo joined the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Children when Labour entered opposition in May 2010.