Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire succeeds in Private Members’ Bill ballot
James Brokenshire MP has been drawn in a major ballot of almost 400 MPs on Thursday morning (24 October), held at a special event in Parliament.
The success for the Old Bexley and Sidcup MP now means they will be able to choose a date to introduce new legislation – in the form of a Private Members’ Bill – to the House of Commons.
In advance of the draw, which takes place at the start of every parliamentary session, MPs wishing to participate in the Ballot signed their name beside a number.
The Clerk Assistant – Sarah Davies – then drew 20 numbered ballot balls with the names of the successful MPs read out by the Chairman of Ways and Means, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The full ballot can be watched on Parliament TV.
The 20 MPs successful in this year’s ballot were:
- Nigel Mills (C)
- John Stevenson (C)
- Anneliese Dodds (L/Co-Op)
- Anne Marie Morris (C)
- Ms Lisa Forbes (L)
- James Brokenshire (C)
- Sir Vince Cable (LD)
- Frank Field (Ind)
- Tracy Brabin (L/Co-Op)
- Sir Michael Fallon (C)
- Damien Moore (C)
- Anna Turley (L/Co-Op)
- Mr Damian Hinds (C)
- Preet Kaur Gill (L/Co-Op)
- Kirstene Hair (C)
- John Woodcock (Ind)
- Caroline Flint (L)
- Naz Shah (L)
- Vicky Ford (C)
- Jim Fitzpatrick (L)
The successful MPs will introduce their Bills on the fifth sitting Wednesday of the session. Unless the House goes into recess in the meantime, that will be Wednesday 13 November. It is up to the Member to decide on the Bill’s topic, although Clerks of the Commons may offer advice on drafting.
13 Fridays in each Parliamentary session will be allocated to debating these Bills.
Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP commented: “Success in the Private Members’ Ballot empowers backbench MPs with a real opportunity to affect true legislative change or, at the very least, bring public awareness to an issue they feel passionate about.”
Private Members’ Bills are Public Bills introduced by MPs who are not government ministers. The successful MPs from this year’s ballot will now have their chance to make their mark on the law in the current session.