I completely understand where you are coming from.

I have some advantages taking over this job. I am probably the only secretary of state who occupied every Commons junior ministerial role in this department before I took over.

I understand therefore our programmes in the Middle East, Asia and Africa in enormous detail ...

It is true that the prime minister has signalled that she is stepping down and therefore I, and at least half-a-dozen other cabinet colleagues, have expressed interest in succeeding her.

But I am sure they, like me, will remain entirely committed to doing our jobs as powerfully as possible.