Conservative Co-operative Movement founder, Jesse Norman MP, welcomes the appointment of Nat Wei as a Government advisor on Big Society:

Jesse said:

"I am delighted that the Prime Minister has placed the Compassionate Conservative idea of a Big Society at the heart of the new government.

"This is an idea of great potential depth and power, which can guide reform across the whole spectrum of policy. The Conservative Co-operative Movement welcomes the chance it offers to bring new models of mutual and trust ownership, and better governance, both into the public services and into our wider society."

Nat Wei, a founder of Teach First, has been appointed as the new Government adviser on Big Society and a member of the House of Lords.

Working alongside Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, and Nat Wei will advise the Government on all aspects of taking forward the Big Society and driving implementation across government.

During the initial phase, Nat will be working on designing the approach to building the Big Society and engaging with civil society groups, alongside Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society.

The announcement was made at the launch of the new Government policies on Big Society. Alongside Nat Wei, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Office Ministers Francis Maude and Nick Hurd launched the policies to a group of community leaders.

At the event, the Prime Minister announced that Nat Wei will also be appointed to the House of Lords.

Nat Wei, new Government Advisor on Big Society, said:

“I am excited to be working with this government on building the Big Society and impressed about their level of commitment to this vision of change. While it is a great honour to be able to serve in this way, I am determined to remain anchored in the daily reality of life as a citizen, standing with other citizens to build a stronger society from the bottom up.”

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Nat Wei as the Government’s advisor on Big Society. His direct experience of working to build a Big Society, and his passion for Civil Society, will be a major asset to the Office for Civil Society and the Government as a whole.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Nick Hurd and Nat to drive forward the Big Society agenda across Government and to make a real difference to communities across the country.”

Based in the Office for Civil Society in the Cabinet Office, Nat Wei will not be paid for his role as Government adviser.