What is the Speaker of the House of Commons

The Speaker of the House of Commons is one of the most important figures in the UK Parliament. Despite the title, the Speaker does not spend their time making speeches. Instead, they act as the referee of debates in the Commons, ensuring order, fairness, and that parliamentary rules are followed.

The Speaker is meant to be neutral. Once elected, they step away from party politics, resign from their party whip, and dedicate themselves to serving the whole House, not just one side.

A Historical Role

The office of Speaker dates back to the 14th century. Originally, the “speaker” was literally the person chosen by MPs to speak to the monarch on their behalf. This was not always a safe job — in medieval times, bringing bad news to the king could end badly.

Over time, as Parliament became more powerful and the monarchy less dominant, the Speaker’s role shifted from being the monarch’s messenger to being Parliament’s internal referee.

Today, the Speaker represents the Commons to the Crown, the Lords, and the outside world — but their most visible role is keeping debates in check.

How the Speaker is Chosen

• Election: At the start of a new Parliament (or when a Speaker steps down), MPs elect a Speaker through a secret ballot. Candidates make short speeches, and MPs vote in rounds until one wins.

• Tradition: Once chosen, the Speaker symbolically resists being “dragged to the chair” — a tradition reflecting the dangerous history of the role.

• Re-election: If MPs are happy, the same Speaker usually continues across multiple parliaments, even if the governing party changes.

The Speaker’s Main Duties

1. Maintaining Order

   • The Speaker calls MPs to speak during debates and can cut them off if they stray off-topic.

   • They discipline unruly MPs, telling them to be quiet or, in extreme cases, ordering them to leave (“naming” an MP can lead to suspension).

2. Deciding Who Speaks

   • MPs must catch the Speaker’s eye to be chosen. The Speaker balances between government, opposition, and backbench MPs to ensure fairness.

3. Overseeing PMQs

   • During Prime Minister’s Questions, the Speaker controls the flow: calling MPs, keeping questions and answers within time, and calming rowdy benches.

4. Interpreting Rules

   • The Commons follows a dense rulebook known as Standing Orders and the centuries-old authority Erskine May: Parliamentary Practice. The Speaker interprets these to settle disputes.

5. Political Neutrality

   • By convention, the Speaker gives up party allegiance. At general elections, they stand as “The Speaker seeking re-election” and are usually unopposed by the main parties.

6. Ceremonial Role

   • The Speaker wears traditional robes and, on state occasions, plays a symbolic role representing the Commons.

Assistants to the Speaker

The Speaker is supported by three Deputy Speakers, who can preside over debates when needed. Like the Speaker, they are expected to act neutrally.

Why the Speaker Matters

To a casual viewer, the Speaker may look like a traffic cop shouting “Order! Order!” while MPs yell over each other. But the role is far deeper:

• Guaranteeing Debate – Without a neutral Speaker, governments might dominate proceedings unfairly.

• Protecting Minority Voices – Speakers often ensure smaller parties and backbench MPs get a chance to speak.

• Defusing Tension – The Commons is adversarial, and the Speaker helps prevent chaos.

• Ensuring Accountability – By deciding who speaks and when, the Speaker shapes how the government is questioned and scrutinised.

Criticism and Controversy

While neutrality is the goal, Speakers are not free from controversy:

• Accusations of Bias – Some Speakers are accused of favouring one side in debates or PMQs.

• Clashes with Governments – A strong Speaker may challenge ministers, which can make them unpopular with ruling parties.

• Style Differences – Some Speakers are strict disciplinarians, others more lenient, leading to debates about effectiveness.

Recent Speakers illustrate the variety:

• John Bercow (2009–2019) – Famous for his booming “Order!” and willingness to expand MPs’ rights to question the government. He was both praised for empowering Parliament during Brexit debates and criticised for perceived bias.

• Lindsay Hoyle (2019–present) – A calmer figure, Hoyle has focused on lowering the temperature in debates and improving MPs’ security.

Everyday Impact on Politics

For citizens following the news, the Speaker’s role may seem obscure — but they directly influence what you see on TV or read in headlines:

• PMQs Highlights – The Speaker chooses who gets to ask questions. Without that power, debates could be one-sided.

• Rulings on Procedure – The Speaker can allow or block urgent debates, amendments to legislation, or emergency statements — shaping the political agenda.

• Accountability – By forcing ministers to answer questions (or at least attempt to), the Speaker ensures issues reach the public record.

Related Concepts

To understand the Speaker better, it helps to know:

• Standing Orders – The Commons’ written rules.

• Erskine May – The centuries-old manual of parliamentary practice.

• Whips – MPs responsible for enforcing party discipline, often clashing with Speakers.

• Backbenchers vs Frontbenchers – Different groups the Speaker balances during debates.

Conclusion

The Speaker of the House of Commons may not pass laws or make policies, but they are central to how Britain’s democracy functions day to day. Acting as referee, guardian of fairness, and protector of parliamentary traditions, the Speaker ensures that political battles remain within the rules — and that citizens can watch a contest that, however noisy, is at least a contest of equals.