Parliamentary Select Committees play a crucial role in the life and health of our democracy. They help to ensure scrutiny of the Government, campaign on important issues and advise on the procedures, workings and rules of the House.
In our democracy, it is vital that MPs are able to challenge the Government and provide feedback and improvements to legislation or proposals the Government brings forward. Parliamentary Select Committees, which shadow all Government departments as well as a number of other areas of Parliamentary responsibility, are made up of MPs from across the political spectrum and are empowered to summon Government Ministers and outside experts to question them on matters relevant to their remit. Alongside scrutinising legislation, Select Committees are also able to hold detailed inquiries into a particular area of policy and many of their recommendations go on to inform future government policy.
I am delighted to have been elected to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee. Before entering Parliament I ran my own business here in Rugby and I have also served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the former Small Business Minister, the Rt. Hon. Anna Soubry MP. By drawing on these experiences, alongside my work with local businesses, I will be able to represent the interests of our town at a crucial time for business as we approach our departure from the European Union. It is also a vital opportunity to ensure that the Government’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy delivers for Rugby and for Britain.
I have also been elected by my colleagues to serve on the Conservative Party’s prestigious 1922 Executive Committee. In contrast to other committees, this is not a Parliamentary Committee but one of the oldest organisations within the Conservative Party. It plays a crucial role keeping the party’s leadership informed of the mood within the Parliamentary Party and in influencing policy. As members of the Executive Committee, my colleagues and I represent other Conservative MPs. However, we all represent our constituents and their concerns will be foremost in all our minds as we consider the impact of future policy and advise the Prime Minister.