SMIP Committee Report

SPEECHES BY CANDIDATES FOR SPEAKER

11.Since 1985 the Speaker of the House of Commons has been elected by secret ballot. The election process is the first order of business at the opening of the first session of a Parliament, or in the event of the resignation of the incumbent Speaker, or a vacancy in the office for any other reason. Building on this important new procedure, it has been suggested that those persons who wish to let their names stand for the position of Speaker should have an opportunity to speak to fellow Members in an open forum before the election begins. This would be particularly useful at the beginning of a new Parliament so that new Members would be able to hear and see the candidates.

12.The speeches would be the first order of business before the election and would be held in the Chamber. They should be short, as there could be many candidates, and no provision should be made for questions. Members could allow their names to stand on the ballot, even if they chose not to participate by making a speech. After the conclusion of the speeches, there would be a one-hour delay before the first ballot commenced to allow for reflection and discussion.

The Committee recommends that Standing Orders be amended by the addition of Standing Order 3.1 as follows:

3.1 Before proceeding with the election of a Speaker pursuant to Standing Order 4, the Member presiding shall call upon any candidate for the office of Speaker to address the House for not more than five minutes; when no further candidate rises to speak, the Member presiding shall leave the Chair for one hour after which Members shall proceed to the election of a Speaker.