Next Speaker of the British House of Commons election are any candidates who receive less than five per cent of the votes cast. The House then continues to vote until one member receives a majority of the vote. A motion is then put before the House asking if the candidate who won a majority in the secret ballot should take the Chair as Speaker. If the motion is past, the winning candidate is dragged by MPs to the Chair as Speaker-elect. The Speaker is then formally appointed by receiving the Queen's approbation through a Royal Commission in the House of Lords. Following reports that John Bercow plans to step
Speaker of the House of Commons (United Kingdom) in turn as amendments, which were all voted down. In points of order before the debate, many members demanded a secret ballot. By convention the Speaker severs all ties with his or her political party, as it is considered essential that the Speaker be seen as an impartial presiding officer. In many cases, individuals have served in ministerial or other political positions before being elected Speaker. For example, Selwyn Lloyd and George Thomas had both previously served as high-ranking Cabinet members, whilst Bernard Weatherill was previously a party whip. In the House, the Speaker does not vote on any motion,