Murphy to head MPs' spy watchdog

The ISC oversees intelligence work

Ex-Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy has been appointed head of Parliament's intelligence watchdog.

The move comes despite claims that giving the job to a recently departed minister could affect confidence in the Intelligence and Security Committee.

Its former chairman, Tory Lord King, said he had nothing against Mr Murphy personally, but perceptions were vital.

Downing Street stresses that the committee includes MPs and peers from opposition parties.

And a spokesman said the last chairman of the committee was Labour MP and former Cabinet minister Ann Taylor.

Public confidence

Labour MPs Ben Chapman, George Howarth and Dari Taylor and Conservative MP Richard Ottaway all join the committee for the first time.

Former MI6 officer and Labour peer Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale also rejoins the committee after an eight year break.

Conservative MPs Michael Mates and James Arbuthnot and the Liberal Democrat Alan Beith keep their places on the watchdog.

Lord King said it was "no secret" Mr Murphy had been promised the committee chairmanship when he was dropped from the Cabinet in the post-election reshuffle.

He told BBC News: "I think it is much more sensible if the purpose is to get widest public confidence if an opposition politician is chairman of the committee."