Commons Briefing Notes

Commons briefing notes are produced by the House of Commons Service under the authority of the Clerk of the House for the information of Members of Parliament, the public and the media.

• Commons Briefing Note 1: Speaker's election (pdf 521KB)
  A note explaining the process for electing a new Speaker. (Published October 2019)
• Commons Briefing Note 2: Maiden speeches (pdf 459KB)
  Your maiden speech will be an important personal moment and a significant event in your parliamentary career. The staff of the House is ready to help you prepare for it. (Published June 2017)
• Commons Briefing Note 3: Swearing-in of Members at the start of a Parliament (pdf 477KB)
  A note explaining the process of swearing-in, which all Members must do at the start of the new Parliament. It sets out the process and explains its importance. (Published June 2017)
• Commons Briefing Note 3a: Swearing-in of Members after a by-election (pdf 736KB) This note explains the process of swearing-in, which all Members must do before taking their seat. (published October 2014)
• Commons Briefing Note 4: Queen's Speech (pdf 471KB)
  Following the State Opening of Parliament, the House of Commons debates the Government's legislative programme, as outlined in the Queen's Speech. (Published June 2017)
• Commons Briefing Note 5: Ballots for the Election of Select Committee Chairs (pdf 463KB)
  This note describes the practical arrangements for the election of select committee chairs by secret ballot. This procedure is set out in detail in Standing Order No. 122B. (published May 2015)
• Commons Briefing Note 6: Ballot of the Election of Deputy Speakers (pdf 460KB)
  This note describes the practical arrangements for the election of the three Deputy Speakers by secret ballot on Wednesday 3 June. This procedure is set out in detail in Standing Order No. 2A. (Published May 2015)
• Commons Briefing Note 7: Private Members' Bills: Ballot 2017
  (pdf 469KB)This note describes the practical arrangements for the Private Members' Bills Ballot 2017. (Published June 2017)
• Commons Briefing Note: Election of the Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (pdf 464KB)
  This note describes the practical arrangements for the election for the Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in accordance with Standing Order No. 122C. (Published May 2019)
• Commons Briefing Note: Prorogation update on Treasury Chair election (pdf 48KB)
  A note explaining how prorogation affects the election of Treasury Committee Chair. (Published October 2019)
• Commons Briefing Note: Election of the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee (pdf 46KB)
  A note explaining the process for electing the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee. (Published May 2021)