Eleanor Laing: It’s time to restore trust in the House of Commons
3 min read
This week MPs will elect three Deputy Speakers, including a new Chair of Ways & Means. Dame Eleanor Laing sets out her stall
After the turmoil of the last few years, this new Parliament gives us all the opportunity to restore trust in the House of Commons and confidence in our democratic system. I have long been an advocate for change in our culture. We now have the chance to make a real difference.
EXPERIENCE – Having served for the last six years as Deputy Speaker, and 22 years in Parliament, I understand our rules, our procedures and our precious conventions.
RESPECT – The occupant of the Chair can only earn respect by showing respect – for other MPs, for the rules of the House and for the people who elect us.
DECENCY – I have always exerted authority with dignity, with courtesy and with kindness.
EFFICIENCY – The Speaker’s team have to make the House run smoothly. For example, we must get the Panel of Chairs, and Westminster Hall up and running immediately.
IMPARTIALITY – Standing up for, and protecting, minority views in the Chamber, whatever subject we are debating, is essential. I have always ensured – and pledge to continue to ensure - that speaking time is allocated to MPs in a fair, equal and consistent manner.
HUMOUR – our proceedings are always important, and sometimes serious and sombre, but a tense situation can often be diffused with a touch of humour.
UNITY – sitting on the green benches it is easy to see the Chamber as being divided into “us” and “them”. But from the Chair, the view is only of “us”. That is the way I have seen things for the last six years. Working together we can achieve so much more.
HONOUR - The House of Commons is full of good people who genuinely want to make the world a better place. We all have different ideas about how to do that, but our intentions are truly honourable. The occupant of the Chair should stand up for the reputation of the House.
EQUALITY – I hate old-fashioned entitlement. Every member of this House, regardless of age, position or length of service, is equal. We need to escape from the overbearing hierarchical structures that have allowed a culture of bullying and predatory behaviour to take root.
This is a new beginning, a time for change. As it happens, no woman has ever held the position of Chairman of Ways and Means. Being a woman is not what qualifies me for the job but wouldn’t it be a powerful signal that the House really intends to change if it were to break the mould by making me the senior Deputy Speaker?
Eleanor Laing is Conservative MP for Epping Forest
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