Budget 2013: Was Chancellor George Osborne's PPS Drafted In For 'Gender Balance' On Downing Street?

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It appears that something was missing from the traditional pre-Budget ministerial photo op in front of Downing Street on Wednesday.

A woman.

The all male minister line up - plus a PPS

A feature of every Budget, the photo of the chancellor holding the ubiquitous red briefcase, is usually only reserved for ministers.

This year, however, there are no female ministers working in the Treasury so Amber Rudd, Osborne's parliamentary private secretary (PPS) appears to have been drafted in for some 'gender balance'.

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Last year, Osborne's PPS was not included in the photo. Then again, last year, Chloe Smith was the economic secretary to the Treasury.

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