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 New Zealand House of Representatives two-way run-off) until one candidate has a majority. Members may vote only if they are present in person: no proxy votes are permitted. It is traditional for the Speaker to 'pretend' he or she did not want to accept the position. Upon election the Speaker is customarily 'dragged' to the front of the House. A symbolic piece of rope was kept beside the Chair as a reminder that an English House of Commons Speaker was physically held in the Chair by members so that the House could continue debating a matter which members wished to consider. After being elected by