RESEARCH PAPER 00/90
29 NOVEMBER 2000
Election of a Commons
Speaker
The recent election of a new Speaker of the House of
Commons on 23 October has revived discussion of the
election processes themselves. This Paper briefly
examines the circumstances which give rise to such an
election; some factual background to modern elections
of a Speaker to illustrate the existence or otherwise of
certain alleged conventions, and the events leading to,
and during, the most recent election.
This Paper does not seek to analyse the procedural
efficacy of the current, or any proposed, system of
election for the Speakership. Members seeking
authoritative advice on such matters of House
procedure and practice should consult the Clerks. The
Procedure Committee is currently examining the
existing processes.
Please note that this Paper deals solely with the issue of
the House’s election of its Speaker; it does not deal at
all with the parliamentary election of a Speaker as a
Member of Parliament.
More general information on the Speakership is
available in the House of Commons Information Office
Factsheet M2, The Speaker, Nov 2000
Barry K Winetrobe
PARLIAMENT & CONSTITUTION CENTRE
HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY
Library Research Papers are compiled for the benefit of Members of Parliament and their
personal staff. Authors are available to discuss the contents of these papers with Members and
their staff but cannot advise members of the general public. Any comments on Research
Papers should be sent to the Research Publications Officer, Room 407, 1 Derby Gate, London,
SW1A 2DG or e-mailed to PAPERS@parliament.uk
ISSN 1368-8456
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