Some MPs have suggested that the House should elect future speakers by secret ballot.

BBC: Ex-speakers back election changes

But the proposal to elect select committee members by secret ballot rather than through the nomination of party whips was blocked by a single cry of "object" from the Labour backbenches and will be debated and voted on next week.

BBC: Commons reform report debate

He praised the recent move to make committees more independent by allowing all MPs to elect committee chairs in a secret ballot and enabling MPs from each party to decide who among them should join committees.

BBC: Commons Speaker calls for sweeping new committee powers