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
Resignation from the British House of Commons Resignation from the British House of Commons Members of Parliament (MPs) sitting in the House of Commons in the United Kingdom are technically not permitted to resign their seats. To circumvent this prohibition, MPs who wish to give up their seat can ask to be appointed to an "office of profit under the Crown", disqualifying them from sitting as an MP. While offices of profit are no longer disqualifying in general, various specified offices that no longer have any duties associated with them still cause disqualification from and vacation of the seat. Two offices are specified as disqualifying for this