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People & Parliament - A …er's Guide to Westminster
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People and Parliament - A Stranger's Guide to Westminster (1998)(House of Commons).iso
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00269_Text_speakers election.txt
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1998-03-19
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THE SPEAKER'S ELECTION
In the past, nine Speakers are known to have died violent
deaths. This is the explanation for the curious ceremony
that takes place when a new Speaker is elected - and
has to pretend to be reluctant to take the Chair.
Now a great honour, the office of Speaker also carries
great responsibility. Although elected from the ranks of the
Commons, the Speaker must show no party loyalty. The only
time she uses her vote is when a Division is tied. The Speaker
also has a rather isolated existence, as her neutrality means she
is unable to take part in much of the Commons ordinary social life.