MPs have chance to introduce new laws as Commons draws Private Members’ Bill ballot

Private Members’ Bills can be introduced by MPs who are not Government Ministers, often known as backbench MPs. It’s up to the MP to choose the topic of the Bill, and the Bill generally attempts to change the law on a specific area.

Private Members’ Bills drawn in the ballot have the best chance of becoming law as they get priority for the limited amount of debating time available.

At 9am on Thursday 5 September, 20 numbered ballot balls will be drawn by the most senior Deputy Speaker, the Chairman of Ways and Means, Rt Hon Nusrat Ghani, with the names of the successful MPs read out.

The draw takes place in reverse order, meaning the last MP to be called will get the coveted place at the top of the ballot. Those drawn highest in the ballot have the best chance of making progress with their Bill.

It is up to the MP to decide on the Bill’s topic and 13 Fridays in each Parliamentary session are usually allocated to debating these Bills.

The ballot, which takes place at the start of every parliamentary session, will be held in Committee Room 8 in the House of Commons and will be streamed live on parliamentlive.tv.

Commenting ahead of the ballot, Rt Hon Nusrat Ghani MP, Chairman of Ways and Means, said:

“Private Members’ Bills have led to many changes to the law in recent years on varied campaigns that impact our lives such as preventing pet theft, providing unpaid leave for carers and recognising British Sign Language as an official language in England, Wales and Scotland.

“Bills to ensure workers keep their tips, supporting those with Down’s syndrome and increasing the minimum age for marriage and civil partnerships to 18 have also become law through this route.

“All MPs, other than Ministers, can enter the ballot. MPs who are successful in the ballot have a brilliant opportunity to bring forward new legislation and raise awareness of issues of importance to them and their constituents.

“I look forward to presiding over the draw and wish my colleagues the very best of luck and success in the ballot.” 

The full list of the successful MPs is expected to be published on Parliament’s website following the ballot.

The 20 successful MPs will introduce their Bills to the Commons on Wednesday 16 October.