Robert Halfon, the new Tory MP for Harlow in Essex, has been elected to the executive of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs.

Mr Halfon, former political director of Conservative Friends of Israel, defeated former Labour minister Bill Rammell with a majority of 4,925.

Now, even though he has been in Parliament for only a couple of weeks, he has been elected by fellow MPs to the c ommittee, which acts as a conduit for backbenchers to formulate their views independently of the front bench. It also plays a key part in the election of a new party leader.

Mr Halfon said: “I feel very honoured to have been elected by my colleagues, particularly as I have only just started. I sent out a joint letter with three other colleagues to every Tory MP canvassing my colleagues , and they elected me.”

Wednesday turned into quite a day for Mr Halfon. As well as his election, he also asked his first question during B usiness Q uestions about why immigration officers have never been awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

“I feel greatly honoured, very lucky and privileged to be here,” said Mr Halfon. “It gives me the chance to campaign on issues such as this and have a platform to speak for my constituents " .