When news spread last week that Philip Davies had been elected onto the women and equalities committee, there was an outcry from several female Parliamentarians. Concerned that Davies was more interested in men's rights than women's, Caroline Lucas brought up that he was an 'anglo-saxon white male' by way of objection.

While Davies has since said he hopes to bring some 'common sense' to the committee, this has done little to appease his critics. Today some of his opponents are rumoured to be debating making their feelings known by objecting to a motion to approve his membership. Usually this is just a formality but some MPs have said they could challenge it.

However, Davies tells Steerpike he takes no issue if they do -- adding that it is usually his opponents who are against Parliamentary procedures rather than himself:

“ 'I am very happy for people to use whatever Parliamentary procedures are in place to bring about the outcome they want to see. It is those who are doing this who are usually against that not me.

It seems they don’t want me on the committee because I don’t agree with them – it is a sad day when people can only go on select committees if everyone on there agrees with each other.'

With Davies expected to keep his place, 2017 is shaping up to be a very interesting year indeed for the women and equalities committee.