The balance of power

The last weeks before the summer recess witnessed the most hopeful developments for democracy for some time: a Government defeat by Parliament.

This was not over policy or a matter of party politics. It was about the balance of power between the Government of the day and MPs, whatever their party colours.

Far too often, for far too long, MPs of the party in power have "done what they were told" by the party whips (the MPs in charge of party discipline). This can make a mockery of MPs' attempts to do our job properly, i.e., to hold the Government of the day to account, for you.

The issue in question was how the Chairmen of Select Committees are chosen. Mr Blair had become annoyed in the last Parliament with the way two Labour Chairmen of Select Committees on Transport and Foreign Affairs had given his Government a hard time. How dare MPs of his party not do what the Labour whips wanted! So the Government set out to stop the recalcitrant MPs from being re-appointed.

Fortunately Parliament, and in particular backbench Labour MPs, rebelled against this plot. Select Committees are key for keeping Ministers on their toes. So a stance had to be taken. For once, it worked.

Let's hope for more of the same. It's time Parliament did take on over-mighty Government. I believe the balance of power between Government and Parliament should be adjusted. So MPs can get proper answers to our questions. Don't hold your breath!