A north-east MP has taken charge of one of the most powerful select committees at Westminster while its chairman is investigated by a standards watchdog.
Sir Robert Smith was unanimously elected interim chairman of the energy and climate change committee, after members accepted Tim Yeo’s decision to step down.
Mr Yeo, a Conservative MP, made the move after referring himself to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner for investigation following newspaper claims that he used the position to help business clients.
At a private meeting, committee members reportedly held a short discussion about Sir Robert’s financial interests before agreeing his appointment.
The Liberal Democrat MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine holds shares in Shell Transport and Trading, and also received a BP-sponsored ticket to the London Olympics, both of which he has declared.
It is understood committee members agreed the interests should not block his appointment.
Mr Yeo is under fire after an undercover newspaper investigation appeared to show him claiming he could exert influence behind the scenes for private companies.
Sir Robert is the longest serving coalition MP on the committee, and often chairs meetings when Mr Yeo was not available.
He is now the third north-east MP currently running a major select committee, along with work and pensions chairwoman Dame Anne Begg, and international development chairman Sir Malcolm Bruce.
“It’s definitely temporary because whatever happens, either the chairman will be cleared, in which case he remains in the chair, or if he were to vacate the chair, it has to be a Conservative that takes it,” he told Energy Voice.
“It would be a secret ballot of the whole of parliament.”
Sir Robert will now oversee current committee inquiries on oil refining and the roll-out of smart meters.
“I welcome the opportunity to play a part in offering good scrutiny of government,” he said.
“Energy plays such an important role in all of our daily lives.”
Asked about his shareholdings, he said: “My financial interests are entered in the register and are open to public inspection.
“During any inquiry or evidence session that the select committee holds, I regularly remind the committee of my relevant interests.”
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