John Bercow dragged to the HoC Speaker's Chair as he's elected for third time

[-:Undertaker:-]

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As to why the Speaker is 'dragged' to the Chair?


When a new Speaker of the House of Commons is elected, the successful candidate is physically dragged to the Chair by other MPs.

This tradition has its roots in the Speaker's function to communicate the Commons' opinions to the monarch. Historically, if the monarch didn't agree with the message being communicated then the early death of the Speaker could follow. Therefore, as you can imagine, previous Speakers required some gentle persuasion to accept the post.

Another quirky convention of our Parliament. Love it!

[Landon]

Heh heh, that's pretty neat. Not familiar really with how Parliament works there, but most everyone hates each other here.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Heh heh, that's pretty neat. Not familiar really with how Parliament works there, but most everyone hates each other here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAMbIz3Y2JA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4quK60FUvkY

[scottish]

Everyone does hate each other here.

[MKR&*42]

I watched the opening of parliament for the first time today and it's genuinely one of the most bizarre, tradition-based processes I've ever seen.

[-:Undertaker:-]

I watched the opening of parliament for the first time today and it's genuinely one of the most bizarre, tradition-based processes I've ever seen.

Worth watching the State Opening of Parliament, buckets of tradition in it.

This year's one in around two weeks won't be as good because of a timetable clash, so less pomp + ceremony. :(


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLJ68StusmA

Even the cellars are still searched by the Guards before the monarch arrives because of Guy Fawkes!