North Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin is to chair a House of Commons select committee after leaving the Government Whips’ office.

The Conservative MP served as a whip for four years before last week's reshuffle and will now chair the Committee of Selection.

He said: "This is a new and interesting role and carries with it membership of the influential Liaison Committee which holds the Prime Minister to account.

"The new job combines my experience from the Whips Office with the procedures of the House.

"We appoint Members to the various committees needed. It is always interesting to change roles and this one presents new opportunities.
 

"Since being elected in 2001 I have served on the front bench for nine of my eleven years in a variety of jobs.

"Being a Government whip in the Coalition was very demanding so I am looking forward to this new challenge.

"Although in the past I served on the Welsh affairs and DEFRA select committees, this is the first time I have been the chair of a select committee.”