Labour slams ‘complacency’ on energy policy as Michael Fallon takes on third job

Labour has attacked the government for “complacency” on energy issues, following Michael Fallon’s appointment as minister for Portsmouth.

Fallon has been dubbed “the tri-minister” after adding the task of boosting Portsmouth’s economy to his substantial business and energy portfolios last week.

Prime minister David Cameron created the post in response to the closure of Portsmouth’s naval shipyard, which employed more than 900 people.

Tom Greatrex, shadow energy minister, dismissed the appointment as “a PR stunt”. He said: “Giving Michael Fallon an extra business card will do nothing to bring about meaningful change.

“Michael Fallon was already a part time energy minister at a time when the UK faces considerable energy challenges – now he is a part time part time energy minister, demonstrating the complacency about vital energy issues at the heart of government.”

Cameron overlooked the city’s two MPs, Mike Hancock and Penny Mordaunt, in favour of the tried-and-tested Fallon.

Greatrex said: “That the prime minister is so bereft of ministers he trusts tells its own story about the chaotic mess of the Tory party. If they carry on like this, Tory MPs will be changing their names to Michael Fallon to ever stand a chance of getting a job.”

In the absence of ministerial responsibility, Mordaunt took to the diving board of ITV’s primetime show Splash! She was voted out on Saturday after mistiming a back somersault.

Appearing on the BBC’s Sunday Politics, Fallon praised Mordaunt for her bravery and raising money for charity. It is not something he would attempt himself, he added, saying: “I don’t think I have the spare time.”