THE same two phrases are used time and again to describe the job of a Parliamentary private secretary a post currently held by Mike Foster.

One is flattering, describing it as "the first rung on the ministerial ladder.

The second is less complimentary and states that a PPS is, in fact, a ministerial bag carrier.

Mike, who is PPS to Higher Education Minister Margaret Hodge, insists he does not carry Mrs Hodge's bag (She describes me as a fixer, rather than a bag carrier. Anyway, it's too big!)

However that is not stopping him from looking forward to having a bag carrier of his own. Because the Labour Party is on the verge of creating a new post of Ministerial Sponsor.

The sponsor would, like a PPS, be assigned to a specific Minister. A leaked document on the proposal states they may meet leaders of key groups, explain Government policy and provide feedback to ministers.

They might also pick up speaking engagements that Ministers could not fulfil".

The plan has split MPs. Supporters argue the move is intended to involve backbenchers in Government policy-making and give MPs a clearer role and career ladder.

Critics, on the other hand, state that it is a crude attempt to bring even more MPs under the control of the Whips office.

This is because it would mean that half of all Labour MPs would be in government either as ministers, parliamentary private secretaries or in their new role as sponsors.

Mike is in the camp which thinks it is a good idea. And when you read the small print in the leaked document, it is easy to see why.

It states the work of the sponsors would be co-ordinated by... parliamentary private secretaries.

Joked Mike: When I think about it, having someone to carry my bag would be of assistance even though I don't carry the Minister's bag myself, you understand.