Stephen has been elected Chair of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Select Committee.
His appointment was announced by the Speaker yesterday (29 January) following a ballot of MPs. He takes the role after Frank Field lost his seat of Birkenhead in the General Election.
The role will involve scrutiny of DWP on key issues such as the rollout of Universal Credit, the pensions dashboard, and support for disabled people.
Stephen brings to the role extensive experience of the social security system, having held ministerial roles in disability benefits, pensions and employment. As Shadow Work and Pensions minister in 2010-15, Stephen led Labour’s opposition team on the bill which set up Universal Credit.
Commenting afterwards, Stephen said: ‘It is a huge privilege to be elected Chair. The Committee has a great deal on its plate. We will play a constructive role, particularly in ensuring—as MPs across the House intend—that our constituents’ experience of Universal Credit is taken fully into account as rollout proceeds.’