Role of the Speaker's Conference

On 12 November 2008 the House of Commons agreed to establish a new committee, to be chaired by the Speaker, known as the Speaker's Conference.

The Conference was asked to:

"Consider, and make recommendations for rectifying, the disparity between the representation of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people in the House of Commons and their representation in the UK population at large."

The Conference worked, throughout 2009, collecting evidence and holding public meetings. It published its final report in January 2010.

Following the Dissolution of Parliament on 12 April 2010, the Speaker's Conference ceased to exist.

Related information

Speaker's Conferences: Standard note

Standard note outlining the background to previous Speaker's Conferences including lists of their terms of reference and membership

Speaker's Conference (on Parliamentary Representation): Final Report - Extended Summary

Extended Summary with recommendations from the Speaker's Conference Final Report

The Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Commons chairs debates in the Commons chamber. The holder of this office is an MP who has been elected to be Speaker by other Members of Parliament. During debates the Speaker keeps order and calls MPs to speak.