SNP to chair two select committees at Westminster

The SNP have been allocated the chairmanship of the Energy and Climate Change Committee and the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster.

As the third biggest party represented in the House of Commons, the SNP are entitled to more representation at Committee level. The Scottish Affairs Committee had previously been chaired by Labour, but the chairmanship has been reallocated to reflect the election result in Scotland.

After winning only eight MPs, the Liberal Democrats have to relinquish control of the two committees they chaired.

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The Conservatives now chair 14 committees, up from 12 last term, while Labour remain in control of 10.

SNP Chief Whip Mike Weir MP said the positions would help the party get “the best deal” for Scotland.

“Both the Energy and Climate Change select committee, and Scottish Affairs select committee, are especially important to Scotland in this parliament.

“We will be seeing one of the major bills coming forward in the Scotland Bill on more powers for Scotland, and of course the Energy and Climate Change committee is of particular importance with our oil and gas sector and renewables industry,” he said.