I will work to restore trust in our democracy during these turbulent times
3 min read
Writing ahead of The House magazine’s Speaker Hustings, Dame Eleanor Laing MP sets out what she would bring to the chair
Confidence in our finely balanced democratic system has been badly rattled during these turbulent times. The election of a new Speaker is a great opportunity for us all to work together to restore that confidence. If elected Speaker, that would be my top priority. I pledge that I would:
Set an example of dignified, respectful behaviour in the chamber
Argument is good. Aggression is bad. We have a duty to the people we represent to behave in the decent and courteous way that they expect of us.
Be strictly impartial
Having been Deputy Speaker for six years I can honestly say that it is not terribly difficult to be fair and impartial when you are in the chair. That is just a matter of decency and common sense. It is rather more difficult to put aside your own views and put your duty to the chair and to the House first and foremost in absolutely everything you say and do. I have proved that I can do that and I will continue to do it.
Protect the rights of backbenchers and minority parties
Every MP has the right to be heard and to hold the Government to account. Use of time in the chamber is a political weapon. It’s the Speaker’s duty to allocate that time fairly. We need Urgent Questions but they don’t have to run for three hours and thus delay votes till late in the evening. Rules and conventions are only respected if they are consistently applied. That’s how I would be fair. And, of course, it’s not the Speaker’s job to ‘speak’!
Make the Speaker accountable
The Speaker is the servant of the House. It is, however, extraordinary that there is currently no obvious mechanism by which he or she can be held to account. I would instigate a comprehensive review of the governance of the House. We need a specific committee to consider the structure of the commission and the role, duties, accountability and tenure of the Speaker. It is vital for the health of our democracy that we put in place proper checks and balances.
Exert authority with kindness
Keeping order in the chamber can sometimes be a challenge but I hope and believe that I have done so without ever being discourteous or demeaning to colleagues. Respect is a two-way process. The occupant of the chair can only earn respect by showing respect.
Work to change the hierarchical culture of Parliament
I absolutely detest hierarchy. It is this old-fashioned attitude that has allowed bullying and bad behaviour to go unchallenged for too long. That simply isn’t fair. I value and respect everyone who works here at Westminster. I would take immediate steps to implement the Cox Report and make sure the independent complaints system works properly and equally for everyone.
Stand up for the reputation of MPs and for Parliament
The people who elect us want to be able to trust us. As in any large organisation there are some people who make mistakes. But the vast majority of MPs come here with the honest intention of doing their best for the people they represent. It is alright for the media to make fun of us but it’s not alright for trust in democracy to be undermined. Someone must stand up for our reputation. I will.
I am optimistic. I hope to have the chance to work with everyone here in the House of Commons to bring our Parliament into the 21st Century. We need a breath of fresh air!
Dame Eleanor Laing, Conservative MP for Epping Forest, First Deputy Chairman, Ways and Means, and Deputy Speaker
PoliticsHome Newsletters
Get the inside track on what MPs and Peers are talking about. Sign up to The House's morning email for the latest insight and reaction from Parliamentarians, policy-makers and organisations.
