News / Politics
Bristol North West MP elected as chair of Commons’ business committee
Darren Jones will play a key role in shaping economic recovery post-lockdown as the new chair of the business energy and industrial strategy select committee.
The MP for Bristol North West won a secret online Westminster ballot on Wednesday to secure the position, beating Labour colleague Angela Eagle into second place.
Jones famously became the first Darren to be elected into the House of Commons in 2017, when he ousted Tory incumbent Charlotte Leslie. He went on to increase his majority in the December 2019 General Election despite Labour fears the seat could swing back to the Conservatives, and this recent post is another step up the ladder for the backbench MP, who was also up against prominent Labour MP Stella Creasy for the role.
is needed now More than ever
Following his nomination by party colleagues, Jones wrote a statement to MPs about the economic recovery after the pandemic and tackling climate change – as well as the need to be a team player, saying that “now is not the time for tribal politics”.
As chair of the select committee, the former lawyer will receive an additional £16,422 on top of his MP salary, and the move will see him stand down from the science and tech committee.
Jones has also been asked my mayor Marvin Rees to be the lead Bristol MP on the city’s economic recovery board, chaired by deputy mayor Craig Cheney.
Commenting on his new role, the MP for Bristol North West said: “I’m delighted to have been elected by the house as chair of the business, energy and industrial strategy committee at this crucial time for our country.
“As we start to transition from lockdown, consider the best approaches to our recovery and continue to provide international leadership on climate change, I look forward to working cross-party to provide a voice for businesses, workers, and consumers to help meet these challenges.
“I hope the committee will play a crucial role in bringing the best ideas to Westminster, that it will be at the forefront of putting forward constructive policy proposals, and that it will be effective in holding government and business to account.”
Darren Jones is seeking nominations for community heroes in his constituency – photo by Ellie Pipe
Jones has just launched a campaign to recognise the efforts of his constituents during the pandemic.
The MP has put out an open call for nominations for his Coronavirus Community Heroes Awards, which will recognise those people or organisations that have gone above and beyond during the crisis, and the fortitude and solidarity shown by people across Bristol North West.
Anyone living or working in the Bristol North West constituency can nominate someone and, should they wish, they can do so anonymously.
Jones said: “This pandemic has shown how people across Bristol can come together and rise to the challenge. It’s important that we say thanks and pay tribute to their efforts too. I hope many constituents will nominate their own local heroes so that we can do just that at the earliest opportunity.”
He has also launched a petition calling for a physical coronavirus memorial to be commissioned to honour key workers and to acknowledge those who lost their lives in the pursuit of helping others.
The election of a new chair for the business energy and industrial strategy select committee comes after Rachel Reeves stepped down following her appointment to the shadow cabinet. The next public session of the committee will take place on Thursday, May 14, with the latest hearing for their inquiry on the impact of the coronavirus on businesses and workers.
To nominate a community hero for Bristol North West, visit: www.darren-jones.co.uk/heroes/
Main photo taken from the House of Commons TV
Read more: Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire joins shadow cabinet
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