Speaker of the House of Commons (United Kingdom) Michael Martin, also declined to wear the wig; moreover, he chose to simplify other aspects of the costume, doing away with the once customary buckled court shoes and silk stockings. His successor John Bercow abandoned traditional dress, wearing a plain black gown over his lounge suit when presiding. For ceremonial occasions such as the State Opening, the Speaker wears a black and gold robe with a train; previously, this was worn over court dress with a white waterfall cravat, but the present Speaker wears plain morning dress. Whilst presiding, the Speaker sits in a chair at the front of the
Speaker of the House of Commons of Northern Ireland often given to members of the Nationalist Party or Northern Ireland Labour Party. Speaker of the House of Commons of Northern Ireland The Speaker of the Northern Ireland House of Commons was the presiding officer of the lower house of Parliament in Northern Ireland from 1921 to 1972. The Speaker had an official residence, Stormont House. All the Speakers were members of the Ulster Unionist Party on their election. There was initially one Deputy Speaker, also invariably an Ulster Unionist, who was also the Chairman of Ways and Means. In 1958 a second Deputy Speaker was appointed, and given the