This afternoon, MPs have voted for a series of reforms, as proposed by the Wright Committee (chaired by Labour MP Tony Wright).
The key changes are the introduction of a new backbench business committee to set much of the Commons' agenda and for those chairing select committees to be elected.
Shadow Leader of the Commons, Sir George Young, has given the changes a big welcome:
"We're delighted that the House has voted emphatically for reform.
The changes that have been made today will help to make the Commons
more effective, more accountable and more relevant to the people
outside it. The Government has been dragging its feet for too long and it was
only after Conservatives intervened that we got today's biggest change
– the House Business Committee – through."The Government initially wanted to delay setting up the Backbench
Committee – and it was the Conservatives who have made sure it will be
up and running at the beginning of the next Parliament. We would have
preferred to see a more incremental approach but the differences are
marginal and we welcome the decision of the House. It's now vital that we maintain the momentum over the next few
months and continue to make the broader changes that are needed to
restore people's faith in politics."
Jonathan Isaby