Elected As Speaker
He served as the Speaker of the House of Commons from 1983 to 1992. As Speaker at the time television cameras were first allowed to cover proceedings in the House of Commons, he became widely known throughout the English-speaking world due to the regular international rebroadcasts of Prime Minister's Questions.
He was the last speaker to wear a wig while in the chair. He commented that the wig is a wonderful device that allows the speaker to pretend not to hear some things. He presided over the House with wit and humour, always honouring the traditions of the House and protecting the rights of backbenchers and members of the opposition parties. He also enforced the rights of Parliament to be publicly told of government policies before they were announced to the press or elsewhere. A portrait by Robin-Lee Hall of Speaker Weatherill hangs in Portcullis House.
Read more about this topic: Bernard Weatherill
Famous quotes containing the words elected and/or speaker:
“Whether elected or appointed
He considers himself the Lord’s annointed,
And indeed the ointment lingers on him
So thick you can’t get your fingers on him.”
—Ogden Nash (1902–1971)
“There is also this benefit in brag, that the speaker is unconsciously expressing his own ideal. Humor him by all means, draw it all out, and hold him to it.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)