Lindsay Hoyle

Lindsay Hoyle is a British politician who has served as Speaker of the House of Commons since November 2019. Elected as the Member of Parliament for Chorley in 1997 for the Labour Party, he served as a Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means for nearly a decade before his election to the speakership. His tenure has been marked by efforts to modernise parliamentary procedure and navigate significant constitutional debates, including those surrounding Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and career

Lindsay Harvey Hoyle was born in 1957 in Adlington, Lancashire, the son of Doug Hoyle, who was the Labour Member of Parliament for Warrington North. He was educated at Anderton County Primary School and later attended Horwich County Secondary School before studying at Nelson and Colne College. Before entering politics, Hoyle pursued a career in business, founding his own textile printing firm. He also served as a Councillor on Adlington Town Council and later on Chorley Borough Council, where he held the position of Mayor from 1997 to 1998.

Parliamentary career

Hoyle was elected as the Member of Parliament for Chorley in the 1997 general election, succeeding Conservative MP Den Dover. He served as a member of the Trade and Industry Select Committee and was an active backbencher, known for his interest in manufacturing and defence issues. In 2010, following the general election, he was elected by the House as a Deputy Speaker and to the prestigious role of Chairman of Ways and Means. In this capacity, he presided over debates in the House of Commons and committees, including the historic Committee of the whole House during the passage of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

Tenure as Speaker of the House of Commons

Following the resignation of John Bercow, Hoyle was elected Speaker on 4 November 2019, defeating rivals including Chris Bryant and Harriet Harman. His election was notable for occurring during a period of intense political turmoil over Brexit. As Speaker, he has overseen debates on the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, the pandemic response, and the War in Ukraine. He has initiated reviews of parliamentary security and culture following the murder of Jo Cox and the death of David Amess, and has championed the use of digital technology, such as during the era of hybrid proceedings. A significant moment in his speakership was his handling of a contentious debate on a motion regarding the conflict in Gaza in February 2024, which led to considerable political controversy and accusations over the maintenance of parliamentary convention.

Political views and style

Hoyle is generally viewed as a traditionalist with a consensual and less confrontational style than his immediate predecessor. He has expressed strong support for the monarchy and the traditions of the House of Commons, while also advocating for practical modernisation. His political interests have historically centred on regional economic development, defence manufacturing, and animal welfare; he introduced a Private Member's Bill on mandatory microchipping of dogs. Although elected as a Labour MP, upon becoming Speaker he renounced party affiliation, adhering to the convention of political neutrality. His rulings are often characterised by an emphasis on fairness and backbench participation, though they have occasionally been challenged, including by the Scottish National Party and some Conservative members.

Personal life

Hoyle is divorced and has two daughters. He is a noted enthusiast of real ale and a supporter of Chorley F.C.. His father, Doug Hoyle, was a Labour Member of Parliament and Member of the House of Lords, serving as Baron Hoyle. The Speaker is known for his collection of teddy bears, which are displayed in his parliamentary office, and is a patron of several charities, including those supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and local causes in Lancashire. In 2021, he was appointed to the Privy Council and subsequently knighted, becoming Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:Speakers of the House of Commons (United Kingdom) Category:Labour Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies Category:People from Chorley (district)