WEST Dorset’s new MP has been selected to introduce a Private Members’ Bill–and he is calling on suggestions from his constituents.

Chris Loder was drawn fifth out of 20 in a major ballot of MPs by clerk assistant Sarah Davies, which takes place at the start of every parliamentary session.

This gives the opportunity for Mr Loder to introduce a Private Members’ Bill on a subject of his choice, with a chance of it becoming law.

Mr Loder will be able to choose a date from the sitting Fridays scheduled by the Government to introduce a new legislation - in the form of a Private Members’ Bill - to the House of Commons.

The successful MPs will introduce their Bills on Wednesday, February 5, unless the house goes into recess in the meantime.

Mr Loder said: “I’m very pleased that as your new MP for West Dorset I have this opportunity to make new legislation that benefits our community, but before I go forward to the next stage, I would really like to understand constituents’ priorities before submitting the Bill.”

Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, said: “Success in the Private Members’ Ballot empowers backbench MPs with a real opportunity to affect true legislative change or, at the very least, bring public awareness to an issue they feel passionate about.

“I am looking forward to seeing which causes will appear on the Order Paper on sitting Fridays.”

Private Members' bills are public bills introduced by MPs and Lords who are not government ministers. As with other public bills their purpose is to change the law as it applies to the general population. A minority of Private Members' Bills become law but, by creating publicity around an issue, they may affect legislation indirectly.

Like other public bills, Private Members' bills can be introduced in either House and must go through the same set stages. However, as less time is allocated to these bills, it is less likely that they will proceed through all the stages.

Constituents in West Dorset are invited to submit suggestions to Mr Loder online by visiting chrisloder.co.uk/members-bill by Monday.