Inquiry launched into elections within the House of Commons

• Inquiry: Elections within the House of Commons
• Procedure Committee

Chair quote

Cat Smith MP, Chair of the Procedure Committee, said: “The recent committee elections in the House of Commons saw instances of excessive canvassing and electioneering by candidates for those positions. There also seems to be a degree of uncertainty regarding the various voting systems used for each of the different positions.

We are now 14 years on from the reforms introduced following the Wright Report in this space, and the new Parliament offers a good opportunity to review the current rules on House elections, and how they are conducted, to ensure they are clear and properly regulated.” 

Background

Reforms introduced following the publication of the 2009 Report of the Reform of the House of Commons Committee, Rebuilding the House (‘the Wright Report’, so named after the Chair of the Committee, Tony Wright MP) included the election by the whole House for positions such as some select committee chairs and the Deputy Speakers.

The operation of these elections is governed by Standing Orders, however the practicalities around electioneering are not currently regulated, and there is often uncertainty about the types of voting system applied to each election, which varies depending on the position the House is electing.

Further updates on the inquiry will be announced as it progresses.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: House of Commons