Lord Fowler sits as Lord Speaker for first time
5 September 2016 (updated on 5 September 2016)
The new Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler, presided over business in the House of Lords chamber for the first time on Monday 5 September.
Preparing to take his seat on the Woolsack, Lord Fowler said:
"It is a great honour to take up the role of Lord Speaker. The House of Lords makes a vital contribution to the scrutiny of government. The quality of debate in the House is very high, and benefits from members who can bring a great depth and breadth of experience and expertise. I am looking forward to heading those debates from the unique perspective of the Woolsack.
"Part of my job is to help improve public understanding of the House and its role. I am determined to play my part in ensuring people understand how the House works, and how it complements the House of Commons by scrutinising legislation to a level of detail which the Commons does not always have time to match."
Lord Fowler is the third Lord Speaker since the post was established in 2006. Elected for a term of five years on 8 July, he officially took up the post on 1 September.
Further information
The Lord Speaker is independent of party politics and lays aside any party or group affiliation and refrains from all political activity on appointment.