Lord Speaker not to stand for re-election
9 May 2011 (updated on 9 May 2011)
Baroness Hayman has today (Monday 9 May) announced that she does not intend to put her name forward as a candidate in the Speakership election which will be held on 13 July, and will step down from her post as Lord Speaker in the summer.
Announcing her decision, Baroness Hayman said:
“It has been a great honour to serve the House as its first elected Lord Speaker for the past five years. The role has allowed me the privilege of representing the House of Lords both in the United Kingdom and overseas. It has also provided the opportunity to explain the workings of the House and its unique strengths to a wide audience through the varied range of outreach activities we have been able to establish. The programme of work undertaken by many peers during the last five years has, I hope, had a positive effect – especially amongst young people – on perceptions of the work of Parliament.
“I have enjoyed my term of office enormously and making the decision not to seek another five years in post was not easy. But I have come to the conclusion that, as the first holder of the office, it was my role to see the position firmly established and now is therefore the right time to step aside. I look forward to giving my support to a new Lord Speaker as he or she takes on and develops the role.
“I am also looking forward to once again playing an active part in the work of the House from the Crossbenches and to renewing my involvement in social policy issues. In addition, I intend to be active in a number of voluntary organisations concerned with development, beginning, I hope, with a VSO placement later this year.”