I am honoured and delighted to have secured the confidence of MPs across the House and to have been elected as Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means.
The principal Deputy Speaker is elected from the opposite side of the House to the Speaker, and by convention I will be chairing the debates on the Chancellor’s Budget in this role as well as having responsibility for the selection of amendments during Committee of the whole House. The Budget debates are key economic moments as they scrutinise the proposals for tax measures and the impact on cost of living.
I am honoured to be representing Sussex in the Chair and I hope that this will inspire the next generation of women and girls of all backgrounds from Sussex Weald and beyond. I look forward to working with my colleagues and Mr Speaker on Parliamentary integrity, security and impartiality.
Nevertheless, please be assured that my constituency commitments remain unchanged, and I always stand ready to assist Sussex Weald residents, businesses, schools and organisations. My weekly in-person, virtual and telephone surgeries have been ongoing over the summer recess and will continue over the coming months, as well as local visits and campaigns. There’s lots to be done and I will continue building on my strong record of delivery and continue working to improve the lives of our Sussex Weald communities. If you need my assistance, please get in touch with me via email [email protected]
What is the role of the Deputy Speakers?
All Deputy Speakers assist the Speaker in his duties in the chair and exercise this authority while doing so.
The principal Deputy Speaker is the Chairman of Ways and Means, who is elected from the opposite side of the House to the Speaker.
By convention, they chair the Budget debate, have responsibility for the selection of amendments during Committee of the whole House and supervise the arrangement of business in Westminster Hall, the House of Commons’ parallel chamber.
The Chairman of Ways and Means also oversees the Panel of Chairs. The panel is responsible for chairing Public Bill Committees and other General Committees, as well as Westminster Hall debates.
Once elected, Deputy Speakers remain in office until the next general election, unless they resign or otherwise cease to be an MP. They also withdraw from an active political role.
