Backbenchers demand a new select committee for London

MINISTERS were facing a backbench revolt today over plans to prevent London from getting its first select committee of MPs.

Labour MPs are angry that Commons Leader Harriet Harman wants to set up committees for every region - apart from the capital.

The new bodies will allow backbenchers to quiz the minister for their area, call witnesses and order inquiries into everything from the state of the NHS locally to transport investment.

Ms Harman decided to keep London out of the plans on the grounds that the capital has its own Mayor and Assembly, unlike other parts of England.

But MPs point out that the GLA has no powers over health, education or economic policy and the capital will have no way to hold Minister for London Tony McNulty to account.

Labour MPs will today demand a re-think of Ms Harman's plans when they go before the Commons in a debate.