Committee publication · Special Report · 23 October 2025 · HC 1314
4th Special Report – Status of independent Members of Parliament: Government and House Administration Responses
From: Procedure Committee
Summary
This Special Report presents government and House Administration responses to the Procedure Committee's July 2025 inquiry into the status of independent Members of Parliament. The Government defers most recommendations to House Authorities and declines to schedule a Commons debate due to legislative pressures. The House Administration confirms implementation of website and Hansard changes to clarify independent MP status and party affiliation history, with rollout through January 2026.
Key findings
- Government supports the principle of a Commons debate on independent MPs but cites legislative timetable pressures and suggests exploring the issue via Backbench Business Committee instead.
- House Administration will add footnote definitions in Hansard daily part and online clarifying that 'Independent' denotes both MPs elected without party affiliation and those losing the party Whip.
- Parliament.uk webpages ('State of the parties', 'Find MPs', member biographies) will be updated with clearer independent MP descriptions and more prominent party affiliation history by end January 2026.
- House Administration agrees induction and training for independent MPs requires review and confirms the Head of Member Liaison is coordinating bespoke briefings and strengthened support relationships.
- Changes to Hansard terminology from 'Party affiliation' to 'Parliamentary party affiliation' will distinguish current party membership from historical record.
Government position
The Government partially accepts the Committee's recommendations. It supports in principle the idea that the House should debate independent MP status but declines to schedule time, citing heavy legislative timetable and redirecting the Committee to seek Backbench Business Committee debate instead. It acknowledges support should reach all members regardless of party affiliation but does not commit to specific parliamentary time.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Cat Smith, Lucy Powell, Jack Homer, Procedure Committee, House Administration, Members and Members' Staff Services Team, Head of Member Liaison
Notable line
“Independent MPs are not affiliated to a political party in Parliament. This includes Members who were elected as Independent candidates, as well as Members who no longer have the party Whip.”
Key Quotes
“I agree that the House Authorities provide invaluable support 2 and that all members of the House, whether newly elected, returning, a member of a political party or an independent should be provided with the resources and support they need.”
“While the Government supports the principle of the House having the opportunity to express its views on this matter, you will appreciate there is a significant amount of legislation planned in this session and there is, as always, pressure on the Government's timetable.”
“The term "Independent" may denote— Members who have been elected as Independent candidates without affiliation to a political party; or Members who have been elected after standing for a political party but no longer have the party Whip in the House of Commons”
“The Head of Member Liaison has arranged bespoke briefings and updates for independent Members and has strengthened relationships between House teams and the staff supporting them.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗