A reluctant winner in ballot to create new laws
Summary
Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne won the top spot in the UK House of Commons private members bill (PMB) ballot, giving him the chance to introduce a new law. Although he is reluctant and has no clear idea yet, the PMB ballot allows backbench MPs to propose legislation and can influence government policy.Key Facts
- Sir Desmond Swayne is a Conservative MP representing New Forest West for nearly 30 years.
- The PMB ballot is held at the start of each parliamentary session for backbench MPs to win the chance to propose new laws.
- Sir Desmond has expressed in 2024 that he prefers not to win the ballot because he believes there are already too many laws.
- Last session, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater won the ballot and proposed the Assisted Dying Bill, which did not pass before time ran out.
- Only the last seven MPs selected in the ballot are guaranteed time to debate their bills, and there are limited Fridays allocated for these debates.
- Sir Desmond voted against the Assisted Dying Bill, so he is unlikely to advance that legislation.
- Other MPs who won places in the ballot may consider taking the Assisted Dying Bill forward again.
- Some successful PMBs in UK history include laws on abortion, decriminalising homosexuality, and abolishing the death penalty.
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