Biography of Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Early Life

Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s world has always revolved around politics. As a babe in arms in 1957, he attended his first Labour Party conference with his father, Doug – now Lord Hoyle - then an aspiring MP.

From the age of seven, he was a regular on the campaign trail, delivering leaflets to help his father’s first attempt to stand in Clitheroe. When Doug Hoyle finally secured the Nelson and Colne constituency in 1974, it was no surprise Lindsay’s political career was set.

He became the youngest ever councillor to serve Chorley when elected in 1980 at the age of 22. He went on to become Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, and then Mayor of Chorley in 1997-1998.

Parliament

Having his appetite whetted by local politics, Lindsay stood and won the Chorley seat in 1997 – the first Labour MP to represent the constituency for 18 years.

In Parliament, Lindsay has served on the Trade & Industry Select Committee and the European Scrutiny Committee – and in 2010, he was elected by fellow MPs to the position of Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means.

Speaker

On a pledge to keep MPs, staff and their families safe, to be an impartial chair and improve the image of Parliament, Lindsay was originally elected as Speaker on 4 November 2019, following the resignation of Speaker John Bercow.

As Honorary Colonel of 3 Medical Regiment, Lindsay is a keen supporter of and advocate for the Armed Forces.

Another high priority during his Speakership is to strengthen and renew the UK’s ties with the Commonwealth group of nations and British Overseas Territories.

At home

At home, Lindsay is a family man and the proud owner of a menagerie of pets. He is devoted to wife Catherine, his daughter and two grandchildren. Outside of politics, he is fan of rugby league, football and cricket.