United Kingdom
Lord Speaker, House of Lords
Current holderLord Forsyth of Drumlean4,5,1,3
In office since 2 February 2026. Checked 28 October 2026.
How the office holder is chosen
The Lord Speaker is elected by members of the House of Lords using the alternative vote. Candidates need proposers and seconders from among members. Candidates are eliminated in turn until one wins more than half of the votes.2
Term
A term lasts up to five years and a Lord Speaker may serve at most two terms, according to IPU Parline and the Institute for Government. A vacancy must be filled within three months.1,2
Recent holders
| Name | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Baroness Hayman2 | 2006 | 2011 |
| Baroness D'Souza2 | 2011 | 2016 |
| Lord Fowler2 | 2016 | 2021 |
| Lord McFall of Alcluith2 | 2021 | 2026 |
| Lord Forsyth of Drumlean4,5,1 | 2 February 2026 | Present |
Notable facts
- In the January 2026 election, Lord Forsyth defeated Baroness Bull with 56 per cent of support, according to Holyrood magazine.3
- Unlike the Commons Speaker, the Lord Speaker does not choose who speaks, does not take part in votes and cannot break tied votes.2
- On election, the Lord Speaker is expected to be politically impartial and does not take part in votes.2
Sources
- Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU Parline: United Kingdom, House of Lords
- Institute for Government, Lord Speaker (explainer) (2 February 2026)
- Holyrood, Michael Forsyth elected as new House of Lords speaker (12 January 2026)
- UK Parliament, The Lord Speaker (28 October 2026)
- Parallel Parliament, House of Lords, 2 February 2026, Tributes: Lord McFall of Alcluith (Hansard via Parallel Parliament) (2 February 2026)