I will bring experience, compassion and humour to the position of Deputy Speaker
3 min read
It has been an honour to be a servant of the Commons for over the last three decades – I now offer my service as Deputy Speaker, writes Sir David Amess MP
In common with all other colleagues, I have been knocking on doors over the last few months asking for people to re-elect me as their Member of Parliament; if they are supportive that’s wonderful, if not rejection can hurt in different ways. However, you may not bump into those people again, whereas in the election for Deputy Speaker, you will still be working with colleagues regardless of the result – so it is an awkward process to say the least. I am standing at this election offering three things: experience, compassion and humour.
Experience – I have been an MP for a long time and served on the Speaker’s Panel since 2001. During that time, I have helped chair proceedings in the main chamber at the start of a new Parliament following a general election and also chaired the committee stage of bills in the main chamber. I have chaired countless sessions of the committee stages of bills and delegated legislation. I have also chaired many sessions in Westminster Hall. During these sessions I have proved myself to be firm, fair and non-partisan. I place great store on the experience and wisdom of the clerks, from whom I would be more than happy to take advice and guidance.
Compassion – throughout the time I have been a Member I have witnessed colleagues having to cope with difficult and personal challenges. It is sometimes forgotten that in what is a tough and challenging job, Members of Parliament experience happiness and sadness in full measure just like anyone else; in that regard I would offer encouragement, support and dare I say advice.
Humour – I hope that I have proved to colleagues that in tense situations I am able to diffuse possible conflict by adding an element of humour to our proceedings.
I will not bore people by setting out my journey to Westminster other than to say I was first elected to Parliament in 1983. Since then, I have enjoyed being a servant of the House. I have demonstrated this through my previous service on the Backbench Business Committee, Health Select Committee, Broadcasting Committee and now the Administration Committee. I now offer my service to the House and colleagues in something that I thoroughly enjoy doing and that is chairing proceedings. As a Deputy Speaker I would see my role as to support the Speaker and follow his leadership, to have time for everyone and to do all that I can to uphold courtesy and respect.
Sir David Amess in Conservative MP for Southend West.
The election for three new Deputy Speakers will take place on Wednesday 8 January in Committee Room 8 between 10am and 1:30pm, under the Single Transferable Vote system.
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