Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Select Committees

28 April 2026 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Alan Campbell Lab Tynemouth

Parliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alan Campbell raised concerns about select committees in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Proposed amendments to Standing Order No. 22D were discussed.
  • Motions were introduced regarding changes to Public Business Standing Orders for the election of the Backbench Business Committee Chair.
  • Changes to rules for select committee chair elections and nomination of members were raised.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alan Campbell Lab Tynemouth

Proposed amendments to Standing Order No. 22D, and introduced motions regarding changes to Public Business Standing Orders for the election of the Backbench Business Committee Chair, nomination of members, and rules for select committee chair elections.

Other contributors (5)
  • Judith Cummins Lab Bradford South

    Introduced additional motions concerning amendments to Public Business Standing Orders for the election of the Backbench Business Committee Chair and nomination of members, as well as changes to rules governing select committee chair elections.

  • Joy Morrissey

    Expressed support for the proposed motions, noting their sensibility and contribution from the Backbench Business Committee and Procedure Committee.

  • Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Fleetwood

    Acknowledged past issues with excessive campaigning during select committee chair elections and praised the new rules for creating a fair playing field. Supported aligning the election of the Backbench Business Committee Chair with other Select Committees.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Thanked the Leader of the House for listening to the Backbench Business Committee and Procedure Committee, praising recent reforms. Highlighted benefits of changes for flexibility in allocating select committee statements and addressing campaigning issues.

  • Alan Campbell Lab Tynemouth

    Thanked all Members for their contributions and acknowledged the work of the Procedure Committee Chair. Welcomed changes to campaigning rules, emphasised the importance of Back Benchers having a voice in parliamentary proceedings, and brought forward motions on how time is spent in the Chamber.

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