One of Labour’s new Jewish MPs has thrown his hat into the ring for the election to the chairmanship of the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee.
David Pinto-Duschinsky, the new MP for Hendon who was elected in July with the smallest Parliamentary majority, of just 15 votes, confirmed he would be seeking the key scrutineering role.
The son of a Holocaust survivor and former adviser to the late Labour chancellor Alistair Darling told the JC: "The Department of Work and Pensions does vital work. I'm running as Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee to help ensure DWP delivers for the millions of people who rely on it. I have the right policy knowledge, delivery experience and inclusive approach to ensure the Committee exercises effective and constructive scrutiny at a time of significant change.
“I helped lead the work of the Treasury and the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit on poverty, jobs, benefits and disability. I also have over 20 years’ experience of scrutinising, challenging and advising on performance improvement, delivery and change. I’m passionate about the work of the Committee, have support across the House and am determined to work across party lines to exercise effective oversight and help change lives for the better."
