In this blog Natasa Pantelic, Founder of the Labour Women’s Parliamentary Staff Network, shares insights about the important work women are doing leading House of Commons Select Committees.
Did you know there are 37 House of Commons Select Committees? Neither did I, until a few days ago. These important cross-party committees often show Parliament at its best and their responsibilities include scrutinising the work of government departments, producing well informed reports with policy recommendations for government, and looking at financial matters on our behalf. For example, the Public Accounts Committee chaired by Dame Meg Hillier found the government wasn’t prioritising the 2018 Female Offender Strategy, spending just £9.5 million on community services for women over four years compared to a commitment to spend £200 million on 500 additional prison places for women. Committees are able to take a deep dive into issues of public interest and change the focus of government.
Women now chair 14 select committees and are inspiring others to lead.
Among them are Dame Margaret Beckett who chairs the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy bringing over 40 years of political experience to the role – she’s broken a few glass ceilings having been the first woman to lead the Labour Party and the country’s first woman to be appointed Foreign Secretary. Dame Caroline Dinenage was recently elected Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 17 May, committing to championing creative industries and working cross-party to hold the government to account. She has led cross-party campaigns to improve childhood cancer services and been a minister in 6 different government departments. Caroline Nokes has chaired the Women and Equalities Committee since January 2020 – conducting inquiries into important issues facing women like the menopause and, having spent the final 18 months of her ministerial career at the Home Office, saw first hand the work done to tackle violence against women and girls – an issue she remains passionate about – but there is still much work to do. Dame Diana Johnson has been chairing the Home Affairs Committee since December 2021 and just a few days ago was holding the Home Secretary to account on pledges made by the government. She has been the Labour MP for Hull North since 2005 – the first woman elected to Westminster representing a Hull seat. She was also named Backbencher of the Year in 2018 for her work to secure a Public Inquiry into the NHS contaminated blood scandal.
Every Member of Parliament has a vote to elect a chair of a select committee – even the Speaker – and Chairs direct and influence the work of these committees while ensuring every member’s voice is heard.
Countless research shows women leaders make a difference in politics and public life, encouraging more collaborative and inclusive ways of working, leading to better decision-making and outcomes for our communities. They also inspire young women to get interested and engage in the political process which is vital for our democracy. The more women that get involved, use their voice for change and stand for election – whether in local or national government – the better.
There have only ever been 561 women MPs and they currently represent only 35% of the House of Commons. When looking at the breakdown of the 443 Commons places on select committees (including seven for lay members on the Committee on Standards) 147 places are filled by women MPs (some sit on more than one committee) but only 109 different women MPs serve on select committees.
Sunday 2nd July 2023 sees the 95th anniversary of The Representation of the People Act which gave all women the right to vote. Five years ahead of the centenary of its passing Centenary Action will celebrate the work of women MPs and highlight why we need to get more women selected and elected at an event in Parliament on Thursday 29th June.
The select committee chairs are a shining example of women leaders getting the job done. I would also like to see more women from different backgrounds, for example women of colour and disabled women, putting themselves forward for roles not just in Parliament but public life too. More diversity at these leadership levels leads to better outcomes for all.
Current women Chairs of Select Committees:
- Rt Hon Caroline Nokes, Women and Equalities
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Rt Hon Harriet Harman, Privileges
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Rt Hon Harriet Harman, Human Rights (Joint Committee)
- Rt Hon Dame Margaret Beckett, National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
- Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson, Home Affairs
- Dame Caroline Dinenage, Culture, Media and Sport
- Alicia Kearns, Foreign Affairs
- Sarah Champion, International Development
- Harriett Baldwin, Treasury
- Dame Meg Hillier, Public Accounts
- Rt Hon Karen Bradley, Procedure
- Catherine McKinnell, Petitions
- Sharon Hodgson, Finance
- Jessica Morden, Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)