NORTH Herts MP Oliver Heald has been appointed to the House of Commons Select Committee on Work and Pensions. He was chosen for the role because of his experience as former Minister at the Department for Social ­Security, and as a former Shadow Minister f

NORTH Herts MP Oliver Heald has been appointed to the House of Commons Select Committee on Work and Pensions.

He was chosen for the role because of his experience as former Minister at the Department for Social ­Security, and as a former Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions.

Mr Heald said: "I have a long- standing interest in employment issues and pensions.

"I look forward to serving on this important Committee, particularly at a time when it is inquiring into the vital issue of child poverty."

The move comes after Mr Heald returned to the back benches, ­having served 13 years on the ­Conservative Front Bench.