Government Committee Chairs appointed
In a series of recent elections, new Chairs have been appointed to several prominent Government Committees, each bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to advancing their respective areas of inquiry, policy focus and scrutiny. The following is an update on the newly elected Chairs and their goals for the coming term of Government. The Association will brief members as the remainder of Chairs for Committees are announced in the coming weeks.
The Environmental Audit Committee
Toby Perkins MP has been elected as the new Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee. Perkins, a long-time advocate for environmental sustainability, expressed his enthusiasm for the role:
"I am honoured to have been elected Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee. I am grateful to all those colleagues who supported me and look forward to working with all members across the House to make sure this government delivers on the Environment. I have a personal stake in our country’s efforts to respond to the dual climate and nature crises. The community I serve was badly hit by flooding in 2007 and 2023. As Shadow Environment Minister in the last Parliament, I was a passionate advocate for action on climate and nature, be that water quality or the restoration of biodiversity at home and abroad. I care deeply about these issues, and I am intent on making sure the Government delivers on its promises.
As Chair, I will work across party lines and with communities, businesses, and experts to lead a committee focused squarely on finding solutions to the environmental challenges we face."
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Alistair Carmichael MP will lead the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. Carmichael emphasised the importance of his new role:
"I am very pleased to take on the role of Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. This Parliament will see the new Government make major decisions on the environment, farming, food security and rural communities that will affect us all.
I will work collaboratively with Members from across the House of Commons to scrutinise and inform these important decisions. I will ensure that the Committee gives a voice to rural, coastal and island communities, and fully considers the interests of our fishers, farmers, food producers, processors and exporters, while holding corporate interests such as water companies to account."
The Education Committee
Helen Hayes MP will lead the Education Committee. Hayes noted:
"I am honoured to have been elected as Chair of the Education Select Committee by members from across the House of Commons. Working cross-party, this Committee will continue to champion the interests of children, young people and parents in every corner of England and from every background, as well as adults who seek to retrain and learn new skills.
Over the course of this Parliament, we will scrutinise the policies of this Government and bodies such as Ofsted and Ofqual, and always be led by the evidence we receive."
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Bill Esterson MP has been elected Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee. Esterson expressed his commitment:
"I am very grateful to have been elected Chair of the Committee working on one of the greatest questions of our time: how to support and manage the transition to a Net Zero economy, securely and sustainably powered by decarbonised energy. There are many challenges in reaching the objective of net zero and these are matched by the opportunities for lower bills, jobs, energy security and reducing emissions.
The Committee will consult and engage stakeholders across the spectrum to assist us in this task, from government, industry, trade unions and scientists to consumers - starting with a stakeholder event in early November to canvass ideas and open a dialogue for this Parliament’s work. I look forward to working with cross-party colleagues on this exciting and hugely important area of public policy."
The Women and Equalities Committee
Sarah Owen MP will head the Women and Equalities Committee. Owen shared her enthusiasm:
"I’m delighted to be elected Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and look forward to working cross-party with colleagues to hold the Government to account on equality law and policy and to scrutinise legislation.
While it is welcome that Parliament is becoming more diverse and representative, there is still much to be done to examine persistent inequalities in our society and the barriers faced by particular communities, to help effect positive change for people in their everyday lives."
Remarks from the Association
These new chairs are set to bring dynamic leadership to their respective committees, and their priorities reflect a commitment to addressing some of the most critical issues facing our society today. The Association will be liaising with Committees on policy areas and industry specific issues on behalf of our members. If you would like to be involved in the work involved, please get in touch.