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
Next Speaker of the British House of Commons election 2017 general election, and the last contested election of a Speaker was held on 22 June 2009. The current rules for the election of the Speaker were introduced on 22 March 2001 and are set out in section 1 of the Standing Orders of the House of Commons. A candidate for Speaker must be a sitting Member of Parliament and be nominated by at least twelve and at most fifteen Members of Parliament, at least three of whom must be from a political party different to that of the candidate. Each MP may only nominate one candidate. The Father of