Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Speaker — Chorley

Speaking in the House of Commons on 7 October 2024

Debate

Speaker’s Statement

Contribution

Before we proceed to questions, I am pleased to inform the House that the Reverend Mark Birch has been appointed Speaker’s Chaplain and Canon of Westminster Abbey—he will formally take up that post on 7 November. Mark has been a minor canon at Westminster Abbey since January 2015. He was made a member of the Royal Victorian Order in March 2023 for his part in organising the funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He played a central role in rehearsals and preparations for the coronation of Their Majesties the King and Queen. He has a wealth of experience: before he joined the abbey, he served as a chaplain in a variety of settings —schools, universities and hospices—as well as serving as a parish priest. I know that he will be an effective, engaging and supportive presence for the parliamentary community, and I am sure that the whole House will wish to join me in welcoming Mark to his new post.

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For Sir Lindsay Hoyle's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Sir Lindsay Hoyle report card.