Downing Street names Allegra Stratton as new press secretary
Veteran journalist Allegra Stratton has been confirmed as Downing Street’s new press secretary.
The newly-created role will see Stratton front No.10’s new daily televised briefings.
Stratton currently serves as director of communications at the Treasury. She previously worked as journalist at ITV News, the BBC and The Guardian.
The government’s new daily briefings – which mirror the format used by the White House – are expected to kick off later this month.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the new setup will give the public more “direct engagement” with the government.
Currently journalists are able to question the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson, who is a civil servant, every day.
But under the new system Stratton, who was appointed by the Conservative Party, will appear on camera.
The new briefings follow a slew of televised press conferences during which the Prime Minister and senior health officials answered questions about the coronavirus pandemic.
The government announced it had started its search for a new spokesperson in July, sparking speculation over who would take up the new role, which commands a reported salary of £100,000.
Other contenders linked to the position included Angus Walker, special adviser to Gavin Williamson and a former ITV journalist, as well as BBC political correspondent Ellie Price.