The Inside Track on the Upcoming Select Committee Chair Elections

William Wall

After a long summer recess and a gruelling election campaign, Westminster is (finally) busy again. While much attention is on the Conservative leadership race, businesses should also focus on the equally important Select Committee chair elections, which are vital for ensuring effective parliamentary oversight and accountability.

Monday saw a flurry of MPs already confirmed in uncontested positions, and with 18 committee chairs still up for grabs, these elections will shape the direction of government scrutiny for the next parliamentary term. Select Committees are where the real work gets done—investigating, holding ministers to account, and steering the policy conversation in directions the government would often prefer to avoid. For MPs, winning a chair position isn't just about prestige; it’s a launchpad to influence. Just look at Darren Jones, who used his role on the Liaison Committee to publicly hold Boris Johnson to account with a level of political prescience that signalled the tide in Westminster had firmly turned against him. Now, as second-in-command at the Treasury, Jones is poised to drive the fiscal changes that will shape the economic and social landscape for generations.

Over at the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, candidates like Bill Esterson could significantly impact the UK’s green agenda. A strong advocate for decentralised energy and a key Labour spokesperson, Esterson would likely push for a bold strategy on renewable investments and energy security. Meanwhile, Melanie Onn brings a wealth of experience from her recent role as Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK, where she championed expanding the UK’s offshore wind industry and lobbied for sustainable energy policies. With her expertise in the renewable energy sector and a commitment to local community engagement, Onn could prioritise a more inclusive approach to the energy transition, ensuring that local voices and concerns are heard in national policy discussions. Whoever wins will shape critical discussions on GB Energy, the shift to renewables, and the path to net zero. 

As the sole candidate for the Health and Social Care Committee, Layla Moran has already been confirmed as the committee’s next chair. With backing from an unlikely alliance of Andrew Mitchell, Jim Shannon, and Kate Osamor, she’s set to use the role to hold the Labour government’s feet to the fire on health. Moran will likely push for guaranteed GP appointments within a week, access to NHS dental care for all, and improved mental health services, alongside commitments to boost cancer survival rates and invest in public health. The Liberal Democrats' whips will be pleased to have secured a key platform from which to challenge Labour from the left.

The outcome of these elections will determine which issues dominate parliamentary time and which voices will have the greatest influence. Each Select Committee has the opportunity to make a real difference in this parliamentary term. Businesses should track who emerges victorious, as the direction these Committees take will offer a clearer view of where the pressure points in government will build. 

Select Committees, alongside other parliamentary mechanisms, are vital for driving the advocacy goals of businesses, charities, and organisations. The best way to influence politics isn't always through a special adviser. If you’d like to know how to engage effectively with Select Committees and make your voice heard, please contact us at contact@inhouse.london