Huw Merriman MP is the new Chair of the Transport Select Committee
30 January 2020
Following elections across the House of Commons, Huw Merriman MP has been elected Chair of the Committee for this Parliament.
Chair's comments
Following the announcement of his election, Mr Merriman said:
“I am delighted to have secured the support of the House as well as my previous Committee colleagues to lead the Transport Select Committee in this new Parliament. It's a fascinating part of life as an MP and I'm looking forward to the challenge of chairing.
“It's important that all forms of transport are scrutinised as we can do better. I don't believe the sector delivers value across the UK - a lack of competition, accountability and responsibility causes our constituents to received poor service and provision.
“I'll be seeking ideas for inquiries from across the House but in particular, I would like to look at long-term transport projects such as HS2 and Heathrow; consider the environmental, economic and community costs; and forensically probe the performance of government departments, agencies and industry.”
A reflection of broader House membership
The new Committee will be chaired by a Conservative MP for the first time in more than 20 years. Select Committees reflect the membership of the House of Commons and following the result of the 2019 General Election result, Conservatives hold 16 chair positions, Labour have nine and the Scottish National Party take two. Huw Merriman follows a series of female Labour chairs: Lilian Greenwood MP (2017-19), Louise Ellman MP (2008-2017) and Gwyneth Dunwoody MP (1997-2008).
The secret ballot of MPs took place on Wednesday 29th January using the Alternative Vote System. Here is a breakdown of the result:
| Candidate | First Stage |
| Robert GOODWILL | 172 |
| Karl MCCARTNEY | 48 |
| Huw MERRIMAN | 293 |
| Martin VICKERS | 51 |
| TOTAL | 586 |
Mr Merriman will formally take up position as Chair of the Committee when the remaining members of the Committee have been named by the House. This is expected to be announced in February.
The full list of elected committee chairs for the new Parliament was announced in the House of Commons by the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2020/january/select-committee-chair-election-nominations-2020/commons-committee-chair-elections-2020/
Further information
Image: CC