Chair nominations open for the Committee on Standards

7 September 2023

Nominations are now open for Chair of the Committee on Standards, following the resignation of Sir Chris Bryant.

The nominations period will run from 6 September to noon on 17 October.
If there is more than one candidate, a ballot of the whole House will take place on Wednesday 18 October between 11.00 and 14.30.

Under the standing orders of the House, the Chair of Committee on Standards is allocated to the Labour Party. Candidates require the support of 15 fellow Labour MPs for their nomination to be valid.

If only one MP is nominated, they are elected unopposed. If two or more MPs stand, there follows a ballot where MPs vote by ranking candidates in order of preference. Votes are later counted under the Alternative Vote system. The results will be announced in the chamber later that day.

Valid nominations received on sitting days will be printed in the next day’s House business papers.

A list of nominees with any accompanying statements will also be added to this page as they come in.

Nominations

Stella Creasy

MP for Walthamstow

Nominated by (own party)

Chris Evans, Justin Madders, Sam Tarry, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Sir George Howarth, Olivia Blake, Clive Lewis, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Barry Gardiner, Fabian Hamilton, Alex Cunningham, Florence Eshalomi, Siobhain McDonagh, Charlotte Nichols, Dr Rupa Huq

Nominated by (other parties or no party)

Sir Robert Goodwill, Chris Stephens, Caroline Lucas, Mr Robin Walker, Sir Iain Duncan-Smith

Interests declared

Chair, Labour Movement for Europe (Unpaid); Member, Co-operative Party; National Executive Committee Member, Co-operative Party; Member, Community the Union; Member, USDAW

Supporting statment

I’m asking for your vote to become Chair of the Committee on Standards to ensure this is a parliament of which we can all be proud.

As someone who has first-hand experience of being falsely accused solely because l am a public representative, I know the distress this causes. With an election in the air, it is critical to rehabilitate the reputation of political participation as the way change happens. We are not unique as a legislature in experiencing bullying, harassment or abuse, but we have struggled to find robust responses which give everyone inside and outside parliament confidence. Our standards framework should uphold our professionalism, resisting the quagmire of impeachment we see in America and restoring the confidence of all concerned.

Firstly, we must address the speed and complexity of process that has generated distrust. This is not a partisan matter, and I have shown myself more than willing to work across the House to secure effective action. As someone extensively involved in debates about standards for some time – working with both victims and those accused – I can bring the experience, ideas and determination required to reach a resolution. A vote for me is a vote to put staff welfare at the top of our priority list – learning from the Australian parliament on how to give MPs and their senior staff the right HR support to recruit and retain the best teams.

Secondly, standards must be a preventative culture, not only considered at moments of crisis. Members need clarity on declarable interests, whether financial or not. What jobs outside and after parliament are admissible. APPGs should be a forum for debate, not backroom for lobbyists. We need mechanisms to root out inappropriate behaviour which offer both parties transparency and efficiency. This cannot be done in a vacuum – as risk-based exclusion has shown, trial by media is no substitute for considered change. Whether working with the ICGS, engaging with trade unions, or developing a proper Standards-based induction for new MPs, I would be tireless in seeking a Parliamentary culture that reflects our highest expectations rather than waits for exposure of the worst.

Finally, as an MP first elected when IPSA was introduced it is time to ask whether it is fit for purpose. I have shown willingness to challenge this organisation and the damage they are doing to both our staff and our standing. No office should have to respond to queries about Christmas parties or a non-existent expenses rulebook and threats of publication. I will be fearless in demanding better of those whose job it is to demand better of us.

My track record shows I can make change happen, even when the subject area seemed impossible. We know the public’s concerns about Westminster do not discriminate and they are deepening. I ask for your support to rebuild not just trust but participation in our work.

If you would like to discuss in more detail the above – especially the Australian Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce – please do get in touch.

Ms Harriet Harman

MP for Camberwell and Peckham

Nominated by (own party)

Dame Meg Hillier, Dame Diana Johnson, Alex Davies-Jones, Yvonne Fovargue, Dame Margaret Hodge, Ms Lyn Brown, Karin Smyth, Naz Shah, Dame Angela Eagle, Jess Phillips, Sir Stephen Timms, Andrew Gwynne, Dan Jarvis, Mr Ben Bradshaw, Mr Kevan Jones

Nominated by (other parties of no party)

Sir Charles Walker, Christine Jardine, Harriett Baldwin, Sir Graham Brady, Alison Thewliss

Interests declared

None

Supporting Statement

Dear Colleagues

After strong encouragement from colleagues across the House and because I feel both enthusiastic about the role and honoured to be approached by others to do it, I have decided to put myself forward to stand for election for Chair of the Committee on Standards.

As you all know this committee has a clear and specific remit: it is tasked with considering complaints referred to it by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and for overseeing the work of the Commissioner. The vacancy has arisen because Chris Bryant has joined Labour’s Front Bench.

The Committee on Standards plays a vital role. What we do, how we manage our inquiries, the outcomes we reach and how we communicate about them is important in restoring and maintaining confidence in Parliament, MPs and our democracy. We must be absolutely fair to MPs and demonstrate integrity to the public.

I’m putting myself forward because:

I will chair the committee in a totally non-partisan way. I will work collaboratively with all members of the committee and I will always strive to seek consensus, as I did in the recent Privileges Committee Inquiry where we came to a unanimous decision.
I will chair inquiries in a timely manner, and will ensure that our inquiries are forensic and fair.
I will bring to my work as Chair my experience as Leader of the House, Shadow Leader of the House, Solicitor General and Chair of Privileges.

My only aim is to do a good job for the House and for all Members of the House, so that we can contribute through our work to ensuring a strong democracy that enjoys the confidence of the British people. I would be very grateful for your support and I would be happy to answer any questions you would like to ask either online or in person.

Further information

Image credit: UK Parliament/Elspeth Keep