Sir George Young welcomes the passing of the "Wright reforms" to give more power to backbenchers over Commons business and committee chairmanships

This afternoon, MPs have voted for a series of reforms, as proposed by the Wright Committee (chaired by Labour MP Tony Wright).

The key changes are the introduction of a new backbench business committee to set much of the Commons' agenda and for those chairing select committees to be elected.

Shadow Leader of the Commons, Sir George Young, has given the changes a big welcome:

"We're delighted that the House has voted emphatically for reform. The changes that have been made today will help to make the Commons more effective, more accountable and more relevant to the people outside it. The Government has been dragging its feet for too long and it was only after Conservatives intervened that we got today's biggest change - the House Business Committee - through.

"The Government initially wanted to delay setting up the Backbench Committee - and it was the Conservatives who have made sure it will be up and running at the beginning of the next Parliament. We would have preferred to see a more incremental approach but the differences are marginal and we welcome the decision of the House. It's now vital that we maintain the momentum over the next few months and continue to make the broader changes that are needed to restore people's faith in politics."

Jonathan Isaby