An influential Commons inquiry is looking for innovative ways to hold Lord Mandelson to account, amid cross-party concerns the newly ennobled business secretary is not directly answerable to MPs.

Opposition parties are sounding the alarm about the perceived lack of democratic accountability of the department for business. Three of its six-strong ministerial team, including Lord Mandelson, the sole cabinet representative, are in the Lords. Two of its three ministers in the Commons are shared with other departments. “I don’t believe it’s a satisfactory model for making any department accountable,” Peter Luff, the Conservative chair of the business select committee, said.