Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom

Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom The Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom is the presiding officer and chief authority of the House of Commons. Elected by Members of Parliament, the Speaker is responsible for maintaining order during debates, interpreting parliamentary rules, and representing the Commons to the Monarch and the House of Lords. The office is a constitutionally vital, non-partisan role, with its holder expected to demonstrate impartiality while upholding the traditions and privileges of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

History and development

The office traces its origins to the medieval Parliament of England, with Sir Thomas de Hungerford often cited as the first official Speaker in 1377. Early Speakers, like Sir Peter de la Mare, acted as agents for the baronage in communicating grievances to the King of England, a perilous role that sometimes led to imprisonment or execution, as with Sir John Bussy. The English Reformation and subsequent conflicts, including the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, saw the Speaker's role evolve from a royal servant to a defender of parliamentary independence. Landmark figures such as William Lenthall, who famously defied King Charles I during the attempted arrest of the Five Members, cemented this shift. The Acts of Union 1707 merged the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland, establishing the Speaker's authority over the new House of Commons of Great Britain.

Election, tenure, and removal

Following a general election or a vacancy, a new Speaker is elected by the Commons in a secret ballot. The process is overseen by the Father of the House, with candidates traditionally demonstrating reluctance, a custom dating from when the role was dangerous. Once elected, the Speaker seeks approval from the Sovereign, a formality known as receiving Royal Approbation. The Speaker remains in office until they resign, retire, or are defeated in their constituency at an election, typically serving multiple parliaments. Notable long-serving Speakers include Arthur Onslow and Betty Boothroyd. Removal is exceptionally rare, requiring a formal motion passed by the House, as last occurred with John Trevor in 1695 for corruption.

Role and duties

The primary duty is to preside over debates in the Palace of Westminster, ensuring adherence to Standing Orders and the conventions of parliamentary procedure. The Speaker calls members to speak, selects amendments for debate, and rules on points of order. They are the guardian of backbench rights, protecting time for debates like Prime Minister's Questions. The Speaker represents the Commons in all ceremonial matters, leading processions to the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament and delivering formal addresses to the Crown. They also chair the House of Commons Commission, which administers the Commons service.

Powers and authority

The Speaker wields significant procedural authority, including the power to discipline members for disorderly conduct, which can range from demanding an apology to suspending them from service under Standing Order No. 45. They have the sole discretion to select which urgent questions and private notice questions are allowed, significantly influencing the parliamentary agenda. During divisions, the Speaker holds a casting vote, guided by precedent to vote for further debate or to avoid creating a tie that affirms a motion. The Speaker also certifies a Money bill under the Parliament Act 1911, a decision not subject to challenge.

Precedence and privileges

The Speaker holds high state precedence, ranking immediately after the Lord President of the Council and before Cabinet Ministers. Upon retirement, it is customary for the Sovereign to confer a peerage, often a Viscountcy, with former Speakers like Bernard Weatherill and Michael Martin taking seats in the House of Lords. The official residence is within the Palace of Westminster, and the Speaker is supported by three Deputy Speakers and the Clerk of the House of Commons. The office is symbolised by the Speaker's Procession and the traditional wig and gown.

List of Speakers

A comprehensive list includes over 150 holders of the office since 1377. Notable historical figures include Sir Thomas More, the only Speaker to be canonised as a saint; Henry Addington, who later became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; and William Gully, the first Speaker elected from the Liberal Party. In the modern era, groundbreaking appointments include Betty Boothroyd, the first woman to hold the office, and John Bercow, whose tenure was marked by significant rulings during the Brexit debates. The current Speaker is Lindsay Hoyle, elected in 2019 following the tenure of John Bercow. Category:House of Commons of the United Kingdom Category:Chairs of lower houses