Cape Town - New National Party MP Francois Beukman is set to become the new chairperson of Parliament's key standing committee on public accounts, Scopa.

African National Congress national chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota told journalists earlier this year the NNP would be offered the post vacated by the IFP's Gavin Woods, who resigned as chair citing political interference in the committee's work.

The Scopa chair has traditionally been given to a member of the opposition.

Beukman (36) is a lawyer and is currently the NNP's media director. He is regarded as one of the party's new generation MPs and has previously served as a Scopa committee member.

He was appointed by DA leader Tony Leon to the committee early last year, along with then colleague Raenette Taljaard, when the NNP was still part of the DA.

Beukman served on the committee for about a year, unlike former local government MEC Pierre Uys, who was among NNP MPs once tipped for the post, but who had not served on the committee.

The new parliamentary quarter will see the filling of several other committee chair vacancies.

ANC MP Dr Siyabonga Cwele was sworn in by Cape Judge President John Hlophe as chairperson of Parliament's standing committee on intelligence on Tuesday.

The health committee chairmanship is also vacant, following ANC MP Dr Abe Nkomo's redeployment as a diplomat.

The ethics committee chair will also be filled, after Sister Bernard Ncube was redeployed as an executive mayor of the West Rand District Council.

Reacting to news that Beukman would get the key post, DA chief whip Douglas Gibson said: "It is quite shocking that Scopa, which is there to hold the Cabinet accountable, has been given as a reward to the NNP in return for supporting the ANC."

The appointment put paid to any prospect of Scopa acting as a check and balance on the government.

"Beukman is a pleasant young man and a junior Member of Parliament.

"His chief talent is loyalty to (NNP leader) Marthinus van Schalkwyk and to act as spin-doctor for the NNP."

Beukman had only served on Scopa for a very short while in a junior capacity and had never demonstrated financial expertise, which was vital for the position, Gibson said.

Beukman would not comment and said on Tuesday night: "It is up to the committee (to elect its chair). It is too early to speculate."

He confirmed, however, that the ANC and NNP had met earlier in the day - in terms of their co-operation deal - to discuss positions.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and www.news24.co.za