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 down in 2019, a number of potential candidates have attracted speculation in the media, including: Chris Bryant (Labour MP for Rhondda), Harriet Harman (Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham and former cabinet minister), Lindsay Hoyle (Labour MP for Chorley and current Deputy Speaker), Dame Eleanor Laing (Conservative MP for Epping Forest and current Deputy Speaker), Charles Walker (Conservative MP for Broxbourne) and Dame Rosie Winterton (Labour MP for Doncaster Central and current Deputy Speaker) Next Speaker of the British House of Commons election The next election of the Speaker of the House of Commons is due to take place at