Labour MP Darren Jones has been elected as the new chair of the business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS) committee.
The Bristol North West MP takes over from Rachel Reeves, who stepped down from the post to rejoin Labour’s front bench as shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
The 33-year old, who has been an MP since 2017, won an online secret ballot of MPs, which took place today (6 May).
Responding to his election, Jones 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.”
A total of 544 votes were cast in the contest, which saw Labour backbench MP Stella Creasey eliminated in the first round.
Jones won the run-off round against Angela Eagle, who served as shadow secretary of state for business from 2015 to 2016, by 296 to 222 votes.
Jones will chair his first public session of the BEIS Committee on Thursday next week (14 May).