Lord McFall's Manifesto

Candidate’s election address

The election for Lord Speaker comes at a crucial time for the House of Lords.

I am a passionate parliamentarian and I believe in the House of Lords.

Our membership has some of the most able and talented people in the land, from all walks of life, raising the level of national debate; effectively scrutinising and modifying legislation for the better; and holding the government to account.

But as we all know, our House must remain on the path of reform and modernisation, respecting the Burns Report, engaging all members – listening and acting. 

I am dedicated to protecting the crucial and fundamental constitutional role of the House of Lords that ensures our work has impact.

As Senior Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Procedure Committee I am proud to have led the work on restructuring of our Committees and the introduction of hybrid working to enable our work and scrutiny to continue during this challenging period for our country.  This was achieved by listening to members, seeking advice and working collaboratively.  

I believe that this same approach will be vital as we face the next set of challenges – our future working arrangements, progressing the cultural and managerial change following two external reviews and dealing with Restoration and Renewal. 

Our reform has to have purpose.  All too often we see change for the sake of it, rather than with a clear need and vision of how and why it will be delivered.

My vision is clear – we need a vibrant second chamber which is open, transparent and engages with the wider public.  I know the value of this House and its members, but all too often this is not communicated beyond the corridors of Parliament.  We need a clear plan to communicate not only what we do, but the real value of what we do.  Our committee work especially can be the basis of the ‘national conversation’ in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Reaching out to young people, particularly in hard-to-reach communities, is vital if we are genuinely going to reinvigorate interest in the House of Lords and ensure that our democracy has a sound foundation.  With direct engagement and the use of technology we can open the doors of the House of Lords and ensure our debates and discussions have value and meaning for people across the UK.  We have a role defending and promoting the Union – as I did in establishing the Inter-Parliamentary Forum on Brexit, bringing together the Devolved Parliaments and Westminster.

I am optimistic and excited about our future.  Throughout my political career I have dealt with some of the most complex issues, working with all political parties in all parts of the United Kingdom.  As Lord Speaker, I will adopt the same approach to bring about effective change and ensure that the House of Lords is valued and respected. 

I have the vision, energy, and necessary experience to successfully face the task ahead and serve the House as Lord Speaker.

Watch Lord McFall's video message to voters in the 2021 Lord Speaker election.