WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has been elected as the new chair of the influential Commons Treasury Select Committee, following the departure of Mel Stride who was appointed Work and Pensions Secretary last month.

Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing confirmed in the lower chamber that Ms Baldwin secured 204 votes in the fourth and final round of voting among MPs.

Conservative former ministers John Baron, Richard Fuller, Andrea Leadsom and Kit Malthouse were the other four contenders.

Dame Eleanor said: "397 votes were cast, none of which were invalid. The counting went to four rounds. There were 375 active votes in the final round, excluding those ballot papers whose preferences had been exhausted.

"The quota to be reached was therefore 188 votes and the person elected to chair with 204 votes is Harriett Baldwin.

"She will take up her post immediately and I congratulate her on her election."

Commenting on her victory, Ms Baldwin said it was a "privilege" to be elected as the chair of "such a prestigious and influential committee".

She added: "With the Chancellor's autumn statement around the corner, interest rates on the rise and inflation well above target, the role of the committee has never been more important.

"As chair, I will hold the Treasury to account and scrutinise the Bank of England and our regulators without fear or favour.

"The Treasury Committee will continue to play a vital role in safeguarding our nation's economy.

"We will investigate the key issues, ask tough questions, and provide constructive challenge. The hard work begins today, and I cannot wait to get started."

The remit of the Treasury Committee is to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of HM Treasury, HM Revenue & Customs, and associated public bodies, including the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Ms Baldwin, who represents the West Worcestershire constituency, worked for the investment bank JPMorgan Chase for more than two decades before becoming an MP in 2019.

She also previously served as a junior minister in the Treasury.