Crispin Blunt MP has been announced today by the Speaker as the new Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, winning the election in the secret ballot open to all Members of Parliament. He will be taking over from Sir Richard Ottaway who retired from Parliament at the last election.
Crispin would like to thank his fellow parliamentarians for their strong support during the campaign and would like to pay tribute to the other excellent candidates for the position.
Speaking today after the announcement of his election, Mr Blunt said:
“I am honoured to be elected by the House to this important and prestigious post. The Committee has a duty to the House and to the British public in ensuring that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is spending wisely and is acting in the country’s best interests. I very much look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee when we start in earnest in July.”
Notes
Crispin was first elected to the house in 1997, having served in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own) from 1980-1990. He commanded A squadron of the regiment (the heirs to the 18th Hussars who fought at Waterloo 200 years ago today). He has previously served as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Justice and on the Defence Select Committee twice as well as several shadow ministerial roles. He was the Special Adviser to The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind as Defence and Foreign Secretary from 1993-1997.
The secret ballot was counted using the Alternative Vote system. Five candidates – John Baron, Crispin Blunt, Richard Graham, Daniel Kawcynzski and Nadhim Zahawi. Remaining members of the Committee are expected to be nominated by the house in the coming weeks.
More information on the Foreign Affairs Committee website.