Election of a Speaker by the Commons

8.18The Commons then proceed to the election of their Speaker.1 In accordance with Standing Order No 1, the senior backbencher resumes their place. The Member taking the Chair under these circumstances is granted all the powers which would be exercisable by the Speaker if, following a decision to relinquish that office during the course of a session, the Speaker were presiding over the election of a successor (see para 8.22 ).2

Under the procedure under Standing Order No 1A, if at the commencement of a Parliament the Member who was Speaker at the dissolution of the previous Parliament is returned to the House and is willing to be chosen once more as Speaker, the question that they do take the Chair of this House as Speaker is moved by a single Member and the question is then put forthwith.3

Under Standing Order No 1B, if the question for the re-election of a former Speaker is negatived, or where it is necessary to choose a new Speaker, the election is by secret ballot. The ballot procedure was used for the first time on 22 June 2009 for the election of Speaker Bercow.4 Nominations (by not fewer than twelve nor more than fifteen Members, at least three of whom must be of a party different from that of their candidate) and statements of consent from the candidates shall be received by the Clerk of the House on the day of election. When the House meets, if there is only one nomination, the Member presiding will invite that candidate to submit themselves to the House, then put the question that the Member ‘do take the Chair of this House as Speaker’. In the case of a contested election, the candidates' order of speaking is determined by lot, following which the ballot takes place and the count is held under arrangements to be made by the Clerk. Successive ballots are held until either one candidate has an overall majority or the other candidates' names have been removed from the ballot, whereupon the Member presiding shall put forthwith the question that the Member ‘do take the Chair of this House as Speaker’.5 Between each ballot, candidates who have not been eliminated are given the opportunity to withdraw.6 The Member in whose favour the House has decided stands up in their place and expresses a sense of the honour proposed to be conferred and submits themself to the House; supporters then take the Member out of their place and conduct them to the Chair.7