Swindon MP elected on to 1922 committee (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swindon MP elected on to 1922 committee

5:15pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Web Team

SOUTH Swindon MP Robert Buckland has been elected to one of the most influential positions in the Conservative Party.

He has won the election to become Joint Secretary of the powerful 1922 Committee of backbench Conservative MPs.

Last week, Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell resigned after being criticised at a meeting of the group.

The 1922 Committee – which takes its name from the general election after which it was formed – allows rank-and-file MPs to have their say over party policy. It also oversees elections for the Conservative Party’s leader.

Robert Buckland won the election yesterday against two other Conservative backbenchers.

“I am delighted to have been elected to this historic position," he said.

"The 1922 Committee is there to represent backbench opinion to Government on everyday issues that affect real people.

“The new role won’t distract me from my work representing South Swindon – if anything it means my voice can be heard even louder and I will use that to good effect for the people of South Swindon”.