Read Our Monthly Magazine
And support our mission to provide fearless stories about and outside the media system
The official committee which was set up by the Government as part of its bid to restore trust in politics, by reforming the House of Commons, has not held any public meetings since its launch last October, instead holding five sessions in private between MPs.
The committee has set out three aims: to drive up standards, improve the Commons culture and working practices, and reform Parliamentary procedures to “enhance effectiveness”.
But little is known about discussions which have taken place internally so far.
The official report from the last meeting, on 3rd December, says only: “The committee considered its ongoing engagement event programme and evaluated progress on the call for views so far. As part of hearing from representatives of the smaller parties, the committee had a private briefing with Reform UK representatives.”
Don’t miss a story
A November meeting summary was similarly brief, stating only: “The committee considered its forward programme, including a briefing with clerks on procedural matters and continued conversations with representatives of smaller parties.
“The committee held a private meeting with representatives from Trade Unions representing Parliamentary staff and staff working for Members of Parliament and with the Members and Peers’ Staff Association.”
The only full set of minutes published, also in November, reported that the committee agreed to “examine witnesses in public,