What’s the point of a minister for disabled people?

It’s a nothing job that only exists so the government can pretend it cares, writes James Moore. If they were serious about making things better they could start by putting a disabled person in the role

Conservative MP Mims Davies is the new minister for disabled people (PA)

After a week in limbo – the longest spell without a minister for disabled people in 30 years – it seems we finally have our champion! Sort of.

Mims Davies has taken on the downgraded role. The previous incumbent, Tom Pursglove, held the rank of minister of state. Davies is a step below that on the greasy pole. She’s a lowly parliamentary undersecretary of state, and she will also have other responsibilities. Davies has confirmed that she will have a “continued focus on social mobility”, which isn’t exactly a minor issue itself.

Cue outrage from disability charities, lobby groups and some prominent personalities. Me among them? Well, no. I confess, my response was to shrug and say “meh”. Because, does this even matter? Is there any point in the job of minister for disabled people in its current form?