Empowering Backbench MPs
That is why I have successfully bid for a debate through the Backbench Business Committee. It will allow MPs from across the House to talk about the role and suggest ideas. You can watch my full presentation to the Committee here:
But I do not think the conversation should stop there. I have also been drafting a Bill which I intend to introduce whenever I get the chance: the Empowering Backbench MPs Bill.
This is about making the role of an MP more in line with public expectations and with their understanding of what an MP can do. It is also, on a practical point, about making our role more practical in the age of mayors and combined authorities.
Let me anticipate the likely attack. This is not asking for the MP to become some kind of local prince, king or even mayor. It is about enhancing the ability of Members of Parliament to conduct their role as elected representatives of the people more effectively, by enhancing their powers locally and nationally.
Local powers
The Bill would:
Require all local, regional and national public bodies — including councils, combined authorities and mayors — and all organisations that provide public services, to consult the local MP about substantive changes they intend to make and significant failures of delivery. They would also provide the local MP with at least one annual report on the services they provide to the MP’s constituents.
Grant MPs the automatic right to sit on final selection panels for any public-sector leadership interview process as an observer. There would be no right of veto, but the MP would have the right to publicly disagree with the appointment.
Provide a substantial central government fund that MPs could bid to for municipal improvements in their area, or to help community groups and good causes as they see fit. This would be modelled on the system already available to many local councillors and the federal funding available to Members of the US Congress for projects in their district.
National powers
The Bill would also:
Require the House of Commons and government to allocate more time for Private Members’ Bills, giving MPs more opportunities to introduce their own legislation.
Provide more senior paid positions within Parliament to aid professional development, akin to being chair of a select committee.
Ask the House of Commons authorities to offer an externally provided professional-development programme for all MPs. This should take place both while the House is sitting and in residentials during recesses, and include training on leadership, managing a team, policy development and communications.
The role of an MP matters. We should be willing to question how it works, recognise how the world around Parliament has changed, and improve it in a way that better serves the people who elect us.