Simon Hoare: NI Affairs Committee chairman made junior minister

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Simon Hoare, the MP for North Dorset, became chairman of the NI Affairs Committee in June 2019

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will be seeking a new chairman after Monday's Cabinet reshuffle.

Simon Hoare, who had been chair of the committee since 2019, was appointed to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Mr Hoare to be joining the department as the new local government minister.

The NI Affairs Committee examines the administration, spending and policy of the Northern Ireland Office.

It is made up of 13 MPs and mainly works by carrying out inquiries into various issues.

It has the power to call witnesses to give oral evidence.