Deputy Speakers
Selected letter
D
In the House of Commons there are three Deputy Speakers who are elected by MPs to assist the Speaker in chairing debates in the Chamber and to perform a range of other duties. Like the Speaker they must be politically impartial.
In the House of Lords a panel of 20 to 25 Deputy Speakers assist the Lord Speaker in presiding over debates when the Lord Speaker is not present. Unlike the Lord Speaker, Deputy Speakers may continue to participate in debates and vote in divisions, even when they are sitting on the Woolsack.
- About Parliament: The Lord Speaker
- Related glossary term: Lord Speaker
- Related glossary term: Woolsack
- About Parliament: Commons Deputy Speakers
- Research Briefing: The election of Deputy Speakers