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Committee publication · Correspondence · 16 July 2026

Correspondence from the Procedure Committee relating to acting Select Committee Chairs

From: Modernisation Committee

Summary

The Procedure Committee writes to support the Modernisation Committee's proposal to introduce 'acting select committee chairs'—a paid scheme providing temporary cover when substantive chairs take leave. The Procedure Committee endorses the scheme's parameters and eligibility criteria, believing it essential to maintain select committee scrutiny continuity and ensure temporary office-holders are properly compensated.

Key findings

  • Procedure Committee gives 'wholehearted support' to the acting select committee chairs scheme proposed by Modernisation Committee
  • The scheme would provide paid cover for select committee chairs during periods of absence, supporting continuity of scrutiny function
  • Procedure Committee endorses the eligibility parameters suggested by Modernisation Committee, particularly mirroring proxy voting criteria
  • Committee view is that individuals temporarily assuming chair responsibilities should be 'properly remunerated for their work'
  • Cat Smith (Procedure Committee Chair) offers continued involvement and willingness to discuss further, including guest attendance at Modernisation Committee meetings

Tone

Supportive

Topics

parliamentary-procedureselect-committeesgovernance

Key actors

Cat Smith MP, Sir Alan Campbell MP, Modernisation Committee, Procedure Committee

Notable line

“It is only right that an individual taking on these responsibilities on a temporary basis is properly remunerated for their work.”

Key Quotes

“We believe that an 'acting select committee chairs' scheme would be a welcome step forward to provide a solid basis for the continuation of select committee work, including in support of the House's vital scrutiny function, during the absence of a Chair.”
— Cat Smith MP · endorsing the Modernisation Committee proposal
“We agree with the parameters for the scheme that you suggest, and particularly endorse the proposal to mirror the eligibility criteria for proxy voting.”
— Cat Smith MP · on scheme design specifics
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Source · parliament.uk record ↗