Widespread support for reforms, but will it happen? |

Tuesday 24th November 2009 | 15:00

Widespread support for reforms, but will it happen?

There is support across Westminster for elected select committee chairmen, and an increased role for backbenchers, but not much confidence that change will happen any time soon

Yesterday, the Select Committee on Reform of the House of Commons proposed various measures aimed at shifting power away from the government, and towards the Commons as a whole.

They included a secretly elected backbench business committee, a “backbenchers’ day”, elected select committee chairman, and an increased use of public petitions.

PoliticsHome's Phi100 panel has found broad support from political insiders for all four of these ideas. There was a firm belief that select committees ought to be elected by the whole House (rather than effectively agreed between the party whips, as at present). 82% believe this is a good idea.

67% support a day each week of Commons time being dictated by backbenchers, and the weekly schedule being set by a committee of government, opposition and backbench representatives. This view is shared by majorities across the political spectrum.

There were also majorities in favour of a secretly elected backbench business committee to reassert the role of MPs in setting the agenda and the increased use of public petitions, both with 57% support.

The Phi100 panel is comprised of MPs, peers, journalists, think tank leaders, academics and strategists from across all political leanings, giving a daily insight into sentiment at the highest level of British politics.

Concern for minority parties

A Liberal Democrat MP supported all the measures with the exception of elected committee chairman, saying, “If committee chairs are elected by the House the largest party could take them all!”

A journalist said, “I can't see that any of these would help, as each would quickly be exploited by special interest minorities - in and out of government, to push their agendas.”

Another MP said, “I don't favour a backbench business committee or elected chairman, because the mechanics of them are very likely to legitimise the exclusion of minority parties from House processes.”

Don't hold your breath

However, the insiders are doubtful any of these reforms will be passed before the General Election. Only one-quarter are confident some of these changes will be adopted before then, with two-thirds saying they will not.

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