Structure of the HoC

Total number of MPs

650

MPs needed for a majority

326

Election of MPs

• Voted in by consituents

  • 60-80,000 people

Who MPs represent

• The electorate

• Their constituents (sometimes placed in a constituency by their party to get a seat (David Miliband))

• Their party (most of them)

• The national interest

• Their interests

Composition of the Cabinet

• Top frontbencher MPs

Frontbenchers

• 150 (90 from governing party)

• Part of the executive

  • Govt ministers - both senior and junior

• Leading spokespersons from opposition parties

Backbenchers

• Around 500

• Not part of the executive

  • Job insecurity

• Scrutinise and represent

• Legislate

  • Vote on bills, propose changes to them

Speaker of the House

• Keeps the peace

• Facilitates discussions

• Elected by MPs

• Neutral

• Currently Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Party whips

• Ensure everyone toes the party line

• Inform MPs about parliamentary business

• Decide on MP offices/rooms

• Senior MPs

Select committees

• 11-15 members

• Permanent committees of backbench MPs, elected by all MPs

• Roles:

  • Calling the govt to account

Legislative/bill committees

• 20-40 members

• Scrutinise proposed legislation

• Proposing amendments to improve the legislation