Labour Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, has been appointed to one of Parliament’s oldest and most powerful bodies, the Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) this week.
The Select Committee is responsible for overseeing Government expenditure and ensuring that it is appropriate and effective. First established in 1857, the PAC is made up of Members from all parties and is chaired by Labour MP, Meg Hillier.
Stephen continues a proud tradition of Pompey involvement in the Committee. The first ever chair of the PAC was Portsmouth MP Sir Francis Baring, who was integral in its establishment.
Other Portsmouth MPs that have served on the committee are Frank Judd (now Lord Judd) was a member of the committee between 1968–71 and Sarah McCarthy-Fry, who was a member of the committee between 2005-07.
Commenting on his appointment, Stephen Morgan MP said:
“I’m very pleased to have been appointed to the Public Accounts Committee. The PAC plays a key role in ensuring that the public are getting value for their money and that the public services and functions that it pays for are being delivered properly. I look forward to working with my fellow members to hold the Government and others to account.
The PAC will offer a valuable opportunity to scrutinise issues of national importance that have a significant impact on our great city, that I have the privilege to represent, for example, the building of our new aircraft carriers or retention of teachers.
I’m honoured to be able to serve Portsmouth and the country through my work on the committee”.
