MPs fail in bid to halt Tory’s job on scrutiny committee

SENIOR MPS have failed in their attempt to prevent a Conservative MP from being elected as the chairman of a powerful select committee tasked with interrogating the Prime Minister.

Mother of the House and Labour MP Harriet Harman called the appointment of Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin as the Liaison Committee chairman “shameful”, and said that it should be for Parliament to decide how the Government is held to account.

But Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said Sir Bernard has history of “robustly holding the Government to account”, meaning he is subsequently the right person for the job.

MPs from opposition parties proposed the new Liaison Committee chairman must be “a current chair of a select committee”, something Sir Bernard is not.

However, an amendment tabled by Labour select committee chairs to try and prevent Sir Bernard becoming chairman was defeated by 262 votes to 323, giving a majority of 61.

His appointment was later confirmed as MPs approved the motion in its original form.

Solo candidate Sir Bernard (Harwich and North Essex) promised to serve “independently and impartially” and said his first priority will be securing an evidence session with the Prime Minister.

But Ms Harman said “it should not be for the Government to decide the terms of which it is accountable, that should be for Parliament”, adding: “Why is the Government doing this? A confident Government would have nothing to fear from robust, independent scrutiny.

“This move will weaken Parliament, but even more, it is a sign of weakness from Government.”