Bradford South MP Judith Cummins has been elected as the First Deputy Speaker in the House of Commons, creating a historic all-female team of Deputy Speakers. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, celebrated the milestone, noting it as the most diverse line-up ever.
Nusrat Ghani, Judith Cummins, and Caroline Nokes were elected in a secret ballot of MPs to the roles of Chairman of Ways and Means, First Deputy Speaker, and Second Deputy Speaker, respectively. Sir Lindsay Hoyle praised the elected MPs, stating, “This Parliament is breaking more glass ceilings than ever before, with the biggest number of women MPs ever – and now an all-female team of Deputies. All three MPs are incredible politicians who are well-respected by this House, and I am looking forward to working with them.”
Judith Cummins, a Labour MP since 2015, has chaired Public Bill Committees and Westminster Hall debates. Nusrat Ghani and Caroline Nokes, both Conservative MPs, have held significant positions, with Ghani serving in the Foreign Office and Nokes as Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee.
Deputy Speakers assist the Speaker and take on his authority when needed, with specific duties including chairing debates and overseeing legislative processes. This election, conducted using the single transferable vote system, ensures gender balance and representation from both sides of the House.
