During the first week back in Westminster I decided I would try and get elected as Chairman of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee. The person chosen has to get a majority of all MPs on his/her side. I have tried (and failed in 2014) before but no harm in having another crack at it. Below is what I have sent to all 650 MPs on Friday 15 May:
BOB STEWART DSO - CANDIDATE FOR CHAIR OF THE DEFENCE COMMITTEE
From my e mails it seems lobbying for chairs of various select committees has begun already. So I wish to join the fray as I was apparently slow off the mark when this happened in the last Parliament. Assuming that the Chair of the House of Commons Defence Committee remains an appointment for a Conservative MP, all members, regardless of party, will decide who will be that person. Would you please consider voting for me when the time comes?
I have now been an MP for five years and a member of the Defence Committee throughout that time; the above photograph was taken in 2013 with an Afghan Brigade Commander in Helmand Province. In the Chamber I think I have spoken in all but one (abroad on parliamentary business) House of Commons Defence debates since 2010. To keep up to date I have also completed both the Royal Navy and RAF programmes of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. Throughout the last 5 years I have also been Vice Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces with responsibility for the Army.
In terms of military experience I was a Regular Army infantry officer for 28 years having been trained at RMA Sandhurst, the Army Staff College and the Joint Services Defence College. In addition the Army sent me to the University of Wales (1st in International Politics and Strategy). Since then I have written and broadcast extensively on Defence matters – including two books on strategy and leadership.
On operations I have commanded a platoon, company, battalion and an Intelligence organisation. Whilst doing so I have completed seven tours in Northern Ireland and was UN Commander of the first British troops sent into Bosnia in 1992 – 93.
As a staff officer I carried out three military appointments which relate directly to the work of the Defence Committee. Firstly, as a Major, I was the desk officer responsible for the operational deployment of the Army worldwide. Secondly, as a Lieutenant Colonel, I was speechwriter for the senior NATO officer, Chairman of the Military Committee. Thirdly, as a Colonel, I was the Chief of Policy for NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander.
Obviously the task of the Defence Committee is to scrutinise all aspects of the Ministry of Defence from a parliamentary perspective. Right now the main task of the Committee will be to ensure the Strategic Defence and Security Review is fit for purpose.
I will try and speak to as many members as possible about my candidacy and it would be great if you might signal your support for me should you so wish? Most people from the last parliament possibly know me but should any member, new or old, wish me to speak to them on this matter just e mail me on bob.stewart.mp@parliament.uk, ring me on Ext 7011 or simply accost me as I am walking around.
Thank you.
Bob Stewart