Baby-leave MPS may be allowed proxy vote

MPS could be allowed to nominate someone to vote on their behalf after plans to help new parents were backed in the House of Commons yesterday.

In a unanimous decision, politicians backed the idea of baby leave to ensure communities are represented when their MP has a baby or adopts a child.

A committee will now draw up proposals with a view to legislation. At present, MPS are expected to vote if the numbers are tight even if they have just given birth.

Jess Phillips, the Labour MP, recounted a story of one MP tabling a point of order during a committee meeting to announce his wife had just given birth.

For the plans to work, men must take leave and learn to appreciate the worry women feel about being replaced in their jobs, Ms Phillips said.

Harriet Harman MP called for arrangements to allow members to vote by proxy to ease the pressure on new parents. She said: “To deny our constituents a voice because of the House’s inability to modernise is an affront to those who put us here. Enabling new parents to register a vote via a proxy would ensure that our constituents could still be heard.”

Andrea Leadsom, the Commons Leader, said TV debates and other technology allow people to follow business from further afield. She said: “If we can agree the way forward on baby leave, I will drive that forward with my total commitment.”