Chapter 5 · Government & Law

The Speaker of the Commons

Source: Handbook p.78

Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker, the chief Officer of the House. The Speaker is an MP and represents a constituency, but is politically neutral and does not represent a party. The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot. The Speaker keeps order during debates, ensures rules are followed, gives the opposition guaranteed time to debate its chosen issues, and represents Parliament on ceremonial occasions.

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