Speaker of the British House of Commons

In the United Kingdom, the Speaker of the House of Commons is the presiding officer of the Lower House of Parliament, the House of Commons, and is seen historically as the First Commoner of the Land. The current Speaker is The Right Honourable Michael Martin MP, who took office in 2000 and was re-elected on 11 May 2005 following the 2005 general election.

Non-partisanship

Upon election, the Speaker, by convention, breaks all ties with his or her political party, as it is considered essential that the Speaker be seen as a completely impartial presiding officer. In many cases, individuals have served in ministerial or other political positions before being elected Speaker. For example, Selwyn Lloyd and George Thomas (Speakers during the 1970s and early 1980s) had both previously served as high-ranking Cabinet members, whilst Bernard Weatherill (Speaker from 1983 to 1992) was previously a party whip.

Related Topics:
Selwyn Lloyd - George Thomas - 1970s - 1980s - Bernard Weatherill - 1983 - 1992 - Whip

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In General Elections, it is customary for the Speaker to stand without party affiliation. Since parties began being listed on ballot papers, the Speaker's affiliation is shown as "Speaker seeking re-election." In the past few decades, the Conservatives have not stood against Speakers seeking re-election, regardless of their previous political affiliation. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have stood against ex-Conservative Speakers, but not against ex-Labour ones. Most recently, in 2001 and 2005, the only major party to oppose the ex-Labour Speaker Michael Martin was the Scottish National Party. In the House, the Speaker does not vote on any motion, except in order to resolve ties. After leaving office, the Speaker normally takes no part in political life; if elevated to the House of Lords, he or she would normally sit as a Cross-bencher.

Related Topics:
Parties - 2001 - 2005 - Scottish National Party - House of Lords - Cross-bencher

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It has often been suggested that the Speaker's constituents may feel disenfranchised, for their parliamentary representative takes no part in partisan politics and does not vote in the House although still empowered to intercede on behalf of their constituents as are other MPs. Thus, proposals have been made to create a separate constituency for the Speaker, called "St Stephen's" or "Palace of Westminster," making the Speaker a Member representing Parliament itself. Such ideas, however, have yet to bear fruit.

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