After 1997 the main reform concerned the departmental select committees of the House of Commons. These committees of backbench MPs which scrutinise the work of government departments are becoming more important in status. In 2004, the chairs of the committees were awarded additional salaries to raise their status. In 2010, one of the last acts of the outgoing Labour government was to introduce a system for electing members of the select committees. Before the reform they had been largely selected by party leaders. Election of members (by other MPs) has increased their independence of mind and action.

There  were modest changes to Prime Minister’s Question Time and the working hours of the Commons.

Gordon Brown’s 2010 ‘Governance of Britain’ Green Paper aimed to limit the powers of the executive and make it more accountable to parliament. The recommendations of the 2009 Reform of the House of Commons Committee, chaired by Tony Wright, came into force after the 2010 general election.

■ chairs of select committees to be elected by backbenchers

■ a backbench business committee to determine the business of the

House of Commons for 1 day each week

■ a petitions committee to select issues for debate that have been

suggested by the public via e-petitions

But Wright's recommendation that the business of Parliament i.e. the timetabling of bills, should be controlled by Parliament and not the government- was rejected.

Following the 2024 general election, reforms have been introduced or proposed for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Key changes include the establishment of a new Modernisation Committee in the Commons and the introduction of a bill to remove hereditary peers from the Lords. 

Recent House of Commons reforms

• Modernisation Committee: In July 2024, the House of Commons established a new Modernisation Committee to review parliamentary procedures, standards, and working practices. In September 2024, the committee published its strategic aims, which included improving standards, working practices, and ensuring effective scrutiny of government. It has also begun soliciting external views to guide its priorities.

• MP's second jobs: The Modernisation Committee was tasked with addressing restrictions on MPs' second jobs to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure MPs serve their constituents effectively.

• Accessibility: An inquiry into improving accessibility for MPs and staff with disabilities was initiated in June 2025, prompted by concerns and issues raised within the parliamentary community.