House of Commons meets on 18 May 2015

What happens at the start of a new parliament

The House of Commons will sit for a few days ahead of the State Opening of Parliament, the formal start of the parliamentary session. During this time the re-election or election of a new Speaker of the House of Commons takes place, and MPs take the oath or affirmation.

• About Parliament: Start of a new Parliament

Further information

Election of the Speaker

Once assembled, the House, led by the Father of the House, goes to the House of Lords where they receive a message from the Queen asking them to elect a Speaker.

If the incumbent Speaker is returned at the election and wishes to stand for re-election, that decision is made immediately.

If there is no returning Speaker wishing to stand again, or the House votes against the incumbent Speaker, a contested election by exhaustive ballot must take place to choose a new Speaker.

• About Parliament: Speaker's election

Swearing in and the Parliamentary oath

After the Speaker’s appointment has been confirmed, the House returns to the Commons Chamber, where first the Speaker takes the oath of allegiance, followed by the Father of the House, the Prime Minister and other members of the Cabinet.
 
Any MP or Member of the House of Lords who objects to swearing an oath can make a solemn affirmation instead. This process is known as swearing in.
 
Swearing in continues for two or three days before the House adjourns until 27 May 2015 for the Queen’s Speech and State Opening.

• About Parliament: Swearing in and the Parliamentary oath
  

This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.