An email from the Government chief whip, posted on political blog Guido Fawkes on Friday morning, confirms that the SNP will chair two committees including the committee for energy.
The chair position could be filled by Callum McCaig who was earlier this week confirmed as the SNP’s energy representative in Westminster, replacing Mike Weir who has taken up the position of chief whip for the party.
The influential position was previously held by outspoken Tory MP Tim Yeo, and could offer the SNP a vehicle for advancing their drive to have a greater say in energy policy formation over the next five years.
Earlier this week SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon demanded “proper consultation” on major energy policy areas. In particular, the Conservatives’ plans to cut onshore wind farm subsidies is likely to a bone of contention for the Scottish MPs who are committed to generating renewable energy to meet 100 per cent of Scottish demand by the end of the decade.
The SNP has also pledged to turn its back on shale gas and nuclear development – both key energy ambitions for the Conservative government.
The SNP will also chair the Scotland select committee while the Conservative party will chair the environment committee, the email said.
Utility Week understands that the full committee membership plans will be released in June.