The Speaker of the House of Commons chairs debates in the chamber, calls MPs to speak, keeps order and decides points of procedure. By long-standing convention the Speaker is politically neutral and does not vote except to break a tie (and then by a fixed convention rather than personal preference). The Speaker is elected by MPs at the start of each Parliament.
Further reading: an editorial guide on this topic opens in a new window for additional context.
The Speaker is entitled to live in apartments in the Palace of Westminster and is one of the highest-ranking officers of state. Famous Speakers in modern times include Betty Boothroyd (the first woman to hold the post, 1992–2000) and John Bercow (2009–2019). The current Speaker is Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
You may be asked what the Speaker does, or who was the first female Speaker of the House of Commons (Betty Boothroyd).
Test yourself on this topic
These questions from the official-format question bank cover the same material. Tap any question to see the correct answer and a short explanation.
Keep going
- Read the full study notes for Government & Law.
- Try a practice test on this chapter.
- Sit a full 24-question timed mock.
- Browse the complete library of topic explainers.
Related topic explainers
Select Committees
Cross-party groups of MPs that scrutinise the work of government departments in depth.
How to Get Legal Help
Solicitors, barristers, the Citizens Advice Bureau and legal aid for those who cannot pay.
The Police in the UK
How the police are organised, the role of the chief constable, and the police complaints system.
Local Government in the UK
County and district councils, unitary authorities, mayors, and the services they provide.