HM Treasury: Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Labour Administration, 1997-2010

This collection contains records created by the Private Office of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (CST) during the Labour administration between 1997-2010. The following ministers are represented in this series:

• Alistair Darling, 1997-1998
• Stephen Byers, 1998
• Alan Milburn, 1998-1999
• Andrew Smith, 1999-2002
• Paul Boateng, 2002-2005
• Des Browne, 2005-2006
• Stephen Timms, 2006-2007
• Andy Burnham, 2007-2008
• Liam Byrne, 2009-2010

The majority of records are unreferenced. In some instances, records have been preserved during transitional periods for business continuity purposes. The private office has occasionally continued filing into these records following a change of minister. This explains any records with dates that begin or end outside of the ministerial tenure.

From 2025 Treasury

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is a ministerial role responsible for public expenditure. The Private Office is responsible for supporting and advising the Chief Secretary in their day-to-day duties. The Private Office acts as a vital interface between the Chief Secretary, the department and external stakeholders. The main function of the Private Office is to ensure that the Chief Secretary is well-informed, well-prepared and effectively supported in their role. They handle a range of tasks, including: managing the diary of the Chief Secretary; organising meetings and events; drafting speeches and correspondence; conducting research; and liaising with other government departments, parliamentarians and external organisations. Private Office staff often act as a point of contact for stakeholders seeking to engage with the Chief Secretary, helping to facilitate communication and manage relationships. Furthermore, the Private Office is instrumental in providing the Chief Secretary with accurate and timely advice. They engage in policy development and analysis, ensuring that the Chief Secretary is briefed on key issues and options, enabling them to make informed decisions. Private Office staff also assist in drafting parliamentary statements, responses to media inquiries and briefing materials for meetings and debates. Additionally, Private Office staff serve as a coordination hub within government departments. They liaise with other departments, coordinating cross-government initiatives and ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Private Office staff also play a crucial role in managing the flow of information within the department, disseminating important updates and decisions to relevant teams and individuals.