UK Parliament

Please wait - you are being redirected to an updated version of this page


The Speaker of the Commons


'Order! Order!' is one of the terms most associated with Parliament, conjuring up an image of the Speaker laying down the law when dealing with a host of unruly MPs. This image has become more widely known with the televising of Parliament.

The Speaker, currently Rt Hon Michael Martin, MP for Glasgow, Springburn, is in fact the chief officer of the House of Commons. He has two main functions:

  • representing the House in its relations with the Crown, the House of Lords and other authorities

  • presiding over the House and enforcing the observance of all rules which govern its conduct.

The Speaker is also chairman of the House of Commons Commission. He has a number of duties concerning the functions of the House and is in control of the Commons part of the Palace of Westminster and its precincts. Control of Westminster Hall and the Crypt Chapel is vested jointly in the Lord Great Chamberlain (representing the Sovereign), the Lord Chancellor and the Speaker.

Michael Martin is the 156th Speaker. His annual salary is £124,979 (including parliamentary salary of £55,118) from 1 April 2002.

Election of the Speaker
Conduct of debates in the Commons
Sanctions available to the Speaker
Parliamentary privilege


Top Back to parliament menu


Parliament Commons Lords Search Enquiries


© Parliamentary copyright 1998 Last updated: May 2002