This is excellent news. Lib Dems in Westminster have been allocated the Chairs of three Select Committees – and two of them are on policy areas that are very close to our hearts. They are Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Health & Social Care (yay!) and Petitions. The final one may not sound exciting but it gives a direct view of the issues that concern voters.
The catch is that the party does not choose the Chairs for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs or for Health & Social Care – they are subject to a secret ballot of all MPs. That may sound a bit odd, but it ensures that each Chair gets a measure of cross-party support, which is so important for these committees to function effectively. Interestingly, the elections are by STV.
The Speaker has announced the timetable for these elections, which are extended this time because of the recess. Nominations will close on 9th September and the ballot will take place on 11th September.
Each nominee must collect signatures from at least 15 members of their own party, or 10% if lower, so that means at least 7 signatures for ours. They can also add signatures from members of other parties.
The Petitions Committee is a bit different, as it is dealing with procedure rather than policy. The Chair will be appointed rather than elected.
* Mary Reid is a contributing editor on Lib Dem Voice. She was a councillor in Kingston upon Thames, where she is still very active with the local party, and is the Hon President of Kingston Lib Dems.
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