The Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Commons is the presiding officer of the Lower House of Parliament. He is elected by the MPs from within their own ranks and approved by the Queen. He is elected at every new Parliament, though the Speaker of the old Parliament is generally chosen if he had completed his duties to the satisfaction of the House.

The Crown may refuse to accept the choice of the Commons as to electing a Speaker, but by convention, he never does so.

Whilst presiding, the Speaker sits at a chair in the front of the House. Traditionally, members of the Government sit on their right, and those of the Opposition on their left.

The Speaker controls the House's debates, and determines which members may speak - no member may make a speech without the Speaker's prior permission. Members of the House direct their speeches to the Speaker (rather than to the House), addressing them as 'Madam Speaker' or 'Mister Speaker'.

The Speaker is also responsible for maintaining discipline and order, and may punish members who break the rules of the House. The Speaker does not take part in debate or vote (except to break ties), and remains non-partisan. They are also responsible for overseeing the administration of the House. The Speaker from the moment he takes the chair ceases to be a party man. He receives a liberal salary and he has an official residence in Westminister Palace. He gets both a pension and a peerage when he retires.   Under S.3 of the Parliament Act 1911, any certificate given by him under the Act shall be conclusive proof for all purposes and shall not be questioned in any Court of Law.