MPs are now debating a series of proposals for Commons reform. Technically it's a free vote. But Labour MPs have received an email from Tony Lloyd, the chairman of the parliamentary Labour party (PLP), with some "useful information" that they might want to consider when deciding how to vote.
Lloyd has told Labour MPs how Harriet Harman, the leader of the Commons, intends to vote. And he has revealed that she intends to vote against a plan to set up a backbench business committee – a potentially powerful body that would take control of the time allocated for private members' bills and debate – immediately, before the start of the next election.
Harman, who is backing most of the other reforms being debated today, is backing a less radical proposal saying that a backbench business committee should be set up before the election – but that it should be set up in accordance with recommendations from the (government-controlled) procedure committee. She is also backing an alternative proposal for the backbench business committee to be set up after the election – but, again, on the basis of procedure committee recommendations.
In his email, Lloyd said:
The most important point for me to emphasis is that this is a free vote. The PLP is taking no position on these proposals and we will all vote accordingly.
However, I did think it would be useful to find out from the leader of the house [Harman] her own, personal position. I emphasise again that this is not any kind of guide or instruction. I just found it useful information and thought you might too.
Still, it does look like a hint.
If so, will it work? We'll find out later this afternoon.
