Leader of the House of Commons

The member of the government who is chiefly responsible for the arrangement of government business in the Commons is the leader of the House.

The leader of the House gives the forthcoming parliamentary business for the week ahead after departmental questions on a Thursday.

He or she then faces questions from MPs on any aspect of the parliamentary programme - or may even be challenged on omissions from the agenda.

Business questions is therefore an opportunity to challenge the government on almost any issue.

The Commons leader is a member of the cabinet and sometimes deputises for the prime minister if he or she is absent, particularly at prime minister's questions.

The leader of the House is a non-statutory, non-Crown appointed office.