Father of the House is a term that has by tradition been unofficially bestowed on certain members of some national legislatures, most notably the House of Commons in the United Kingdom. A legislature is a type of representative deliberative assembly with the power to adopt laws. ... The House of Commons is a component of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also includes the Sovereign and the House of Lords. ...

The term Mother of the House is also found, although the usage varies between countries. Sometimes, it is used simply as the female alternative to Father of the House, being applied when the relevant member is a woman. Sometimes, however, it is treated as a separate designation, and is given to the longest serving female legislator.

United Kingdom

The longest continuously serving member of the House of Commons who is not a Minister of the Crown is traditionally known as Father of the House. If two or more MPs have equal lengths of service, then whoever was sworn in first is named Father. A minister or a secretary is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. ... This article describes the British monarchy from the perspective of the United Kingdom. ...

In the House of Commons, the sole duty of the Father of the House is to assume the Speaker's chair and preside over the election of a new Speaker whenever that office becomes vacant. The relevant Standing Order does not refer to this member by the title "Father of the House", referring instead to the longest-serving non-Minister member of the House who is present (meaning that if the Father is absent, the next person in line presides). The term Speaker is usually the title given to the presiding officer of a countrys lower house of parliament or congress. ...

The current Father of the House of Commons is Alan Williams, Labour MP for Swansea West, who was first elected in the 1964 general election. The member with the second longest period of continuous service is often referred to as the Uncle of the House, and is presently Sir Peter Tapsell, Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle, who began his continuous service from the 1966 general election. Alan John Williams (born 14 October 1930, Caerphilly) is a Welsh politician and Labour Member of Parliament for Swansea West since the 1964 general election. ... Swansea West is a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. ... The United Kingdom general election of 1964 result was a very slim majority for the Labour Party, of 4, and led to their first government since 1951. ... Sir Peter Hannay Bailey Tapsell (born 1 February 1930, Hove) is a politician in the United Kingdom. ... Louth and Horncastle is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. ... The UK general election in 1966 was called by Harold Wilson because his government, elected in the 1964 election, had an unworkably small majority. ...

It should be noted that the Father of the House is not the sitting MP with the earliest date of first election; at the moment that is Sir Peter Tapsell, who was first elected in 1959, and is the only remaining 1950s MP, but lost his seat in 1964 and was out of Parliament until the following election. Similarly, Michael Foot, as the only remaining MP from the 1945 election between 1987 and 1992 was never Father of the House because he was out of Parliament between 1955 and a by-election in 1960. This United Kingdom general election was held on October 8, 1959, and marked a third successive victory for the ruling Conservative party, led by Harold MacMillan. ... The 1950s was the decade spanning the years 1950 to 1959. ... The United Kingdom general election of 1964 result was a very slim majority for the Labour Party, of 4, and led to their first government since 1951. ... Michael Foot For other people named Michael Foot, see Michael Foot (disambiguation). ... Clement Attlee Winston Churchill The United Kingdom General Election of 1945 held on 5 July 1945 but not counted and declared until 26 July 1945 (due to the time it took to transport the votes of those serving overseas) was one of the most significant general elections of the 20th... Margaret Thatcher Neil Kinnock David Steel Election 1987 Titles The United Kingdom general election of 1987 was held on 11 June 1987 and was the third consecutive victory for the Conservative Party under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher. ... The UK general election, 1992 was held on April 9, 1992, and was the fourth victory in a row for the Conservatives. ... The 1955 United Kingdom general election was held on May 26, 1955, four years after the previous general election. ... 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1960 calendar). ...

There are no other MPs with continuous service since the 1960s which means that following the retirement or death of Williams and Tapsell, MPs with continuous service from the 1970 general election will become eligible to be Father of the House. The members with this length of service are presently: Kenneth Clarke, Sir Patrick Cormack, Sir Gerald Kaufman, Michael Meacher, Ian Paisley, John Prescott, Dennis Skinner and Gavin Strang. The 1960s decade refers to the years from 1960 to 1969, inclusive. ... The United Kingdom general election of 1970 was held on June 18, 1970, and resulted in a surprise loss of power for Labour under Harold Wilson, who was replaced as Prime Minister by the Conservative leader, Edward Heath. ... Kenneth Clarke The Right Honourable Kenneth Harry Clarke, QC, MP, (born 2 July 1940) is a leading Conservative Party politician in the United Kingdom. ... Sir Patrick Thomas Cormack FSA (born May 18, 1939) British politician, historian, journalist and author. ... Gerald Kaufman is passionate about Palestine The Right Honourable Sir Gerald Bernard Kaufman (born June 21, 1930) is a British Labour Member of Parliament who was a government minister during the 1970s. ... Michael Hugh Meacher (born November 4, 1939) is a British Labour party politician, and MP for Oldham West and Royton. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... Dennis Edward Skinner (born February 11, 1932, Clay Cross) is a British politician, and Labour Member of Parliament for Bolsover since 1970. ... The Right Honourable Dr Gavin Steel Strang (born July 10, 1943) is a British politician, and Labour member of Parliament for Edinburgh East. ...

Fathers of the House in the UK

Sir Richard Onslow, (June 23, 1654 – December 5, 1717), was a British Whig member of parliament. ... While the Whigs (along with the Tories) are often described as one of the two political parties in late 17th to mid 19th century Great Britain, it is more accurate to describe them as loose political groupings or tendencies. ... Lord William Powlett (c. ... Charles FitzRoy-Scudamore (c. ... Robert Craggs-Nugent, 1st Earl Nugent (1702 - October 13, 1788), Irish politician and poet, son of Michael Nugent and Mary, daughter of the ninth Lord Trimlestown, was born at Carlanstown, Co. ... Welbore Ellis, 1st Baron Mendip (15 December 1713 – 2 February 1802) was a British statesman. ... Philip Stevens was First Secretary of the Admiralty in the late 1700s and later a Lord Commissioner of the British Admiralty between 1795 and 1806. ... While the Whigs (along with the Tories) are often described as one of the two political parties in late 17th to mid 19th century Great Britain, it is more accurate to describe them as loose political groupings or tendencies. ... Charles Watkins Williams Wynn (1775-1850) was a British Conservative politician of the early 19th century. ... The term Tory derives from the Tory Party, the ancestor of the modern UK Conservative Party. ... George Granville Harcourt (née Venables-Harcourt and Vernon-Harcourt, 6 August 1785–19 December 1861) was a British politician, the eldest son of clergyman, Edward Venables-Harcourt. ... While the Whigs (along with the Tories) are often described as one of the two political parties in late 17th to mid 19th century Great Britain, it is more accurate to describe them as loose political groupings or tendencies. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Henry Thomas Lowry-Corry (9 March 1803 – 6 March 1873) was a British Conservative politician, the younger son of the 2nd Earl Belmore, who served as First Lord of the Admiralty under Lord Derby and Benjamin Disraeli. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... This article is about the historic Liberal Party. ... Charles Pelham Villiers (January 3, 1802–January 16, 1898) was a British politician and lawyer of the 19th century. ... This article is about the historic Liberal Party. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... The Rt Hon. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman (7 September 1836 – 22 April 1908) was a British Liberal statesman who served as Prime Minister from December 5, 1905 until resigning due to ill health on April 3, 1908. ... This article is about the historic Liberal Party. ... Sir John Henry Kennaway, 3rd Baronet PC (6 June 1837 – 6 September 1919) was an English Conservative Party politician. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Categories: Stub ... This article is about the historic Liberal Party. ... Thomas Power OConnor (5 October 1848–18 November 1929), known as T. P. OConnor and occasionally as Tay Pay, was a journalist and an Irish nationalist political figure. ... The Nationalist Party, an Irish political party, existed under various forms from 1874 to 1978. ... David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd George of Dwyfor, OM, PC (17 January 1863 – 26 March 1945) was a British statesman and the last member of the Liberal Party to be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. ... This article is about the historic Liberal Party. ... Edward Turnour, 6th Earl Winterton, known was Viscount Turnour until 1907, (1883-1962) was an Irish peer and British politician in the first half of the twentieth century who achieved the rare distinction of serving as both Baby of the House and Father of the House at the opposite ends... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Robert William Hugh ONeill, 1st Baron Rathcavan (8 June 1883-28 November 1982) was an Ulster Unionist member of both the UK Parliament and the Parliament of Northern Ireland. ... The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP, sometimes referred to as the Official Unionist Party or OUP or, in a historic sense, simply the Unionist Party ) is a moderate unionist political party in Northern Ireland, which formed its government between 1921 and 1972 and was supported by most unionists throughout the Troubles. ... David Rhys Grenfell (1881-06-26–1968-11-21) was a Welsh Labour Party politician. ... The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the main democratic socialist [1] political party in the United Kingdom. ... This article is becoming very long. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Richard Austen Butler, Baron Butler of Saffron Walden, KG, CH, PC, DL (9 December 1902 – 8 March 1982), who invariably signed his name R. A. Butler and was familiarly known as Rab, was a British Conservative politician. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Robert (Robin) Hugh Turton, Baron Tranmire KBE MC PC JP DL (8 August 1903 – 17 January 1994) was a British Conservative politician. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... George Russell Strauss, Baron Strauss (18 July 1901 - 5 June 1993) was a long-serving British Labour Party politician, who was a Member of Parliament (MP) for 47 years and was Father of the House of Commons from 1974 to 1979. ... The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the main democratic socialist [1] political party in the United Kingdom. ... Herbert John Harvey Parker, normally known as John Parker (1906-1987) was a long-serving British Labour politician. ... The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the main democratic socialist [1] political party in the United Kingdom. ... Leonard James Callaghan, Baron Callaghan of Cardiff, KG, PC (27 March 1912 – 26 March 2005), was Labour Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979. ... The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the main democratic socialist [1] political party in the United Kingdom. ... Sir Bernard Braine, Lord Braine of Wheatley (June 21, 1914 - January 5, United Kingdom. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Sir Edward Richard George Ted Heath, KG, MBE (9 July 1916 – 17 July 2005), soldier and politician, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1970 to 1974 and leader of the Conservative Party from 1965 to 1975. ... The Conservative Party (officially the Conservative & Unionist Party) is currently the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), and the largest in terms of public membership. ... Sir Thomas Dalyell of the Binns, 11th Baronet (born 9 August 1932), more commonly known as Tam Dalyell (pronounced ), is a Scottish politician and was a Labour member of the House of Commons from 1962 to 2005. ... The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the main democratic socialist [1] political party in the United Kingdom. ... Alan John Williams (born 14 October 1930, Caerphilly) is a Welsh politician and Labour Member of Parliament for Swansea West since the 1964 general election. ... The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the main democratic socialist [1] political party in the United Kingdom. ...

Fathers of the House in Northern Ireland

• John Miller Andrews, Unionist (1929-1953)
• Cahir Healy, Nationalist (1953-1965)
• Basil Stanlake Brooke, Unionist (1965-1968)
• Sir Norman Stronge, Unionist (1968-1969)
• Terence O'Neill, Unionist (1969-1970)
• Brian Faulkner, Unionist (1970-1972)

John Millar Andrews (July 17, 1871 - August 5, 1956) was the second Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. ... The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP, sometimes referred to as the Official Unionist Party or OUP or, in a historic sense, simply the Unionist Party ) is a moderate unionist political party in Northern Ireland, which formed its government between 1921 and 1972 and was supported by most unionists throughout the Troubles. ... Cahir Healy (2 December 1877–8 February 1970) was an Irish politician. ... The Nationalist Party, an Irish political party, existed under various forms from 1874 to 1978. ... Basil Stanlake Brooke, 1st Viscount Brookeborough, KG, CBE, MC (June 9, 1888-August 18, 1973) was an Irish Unionist politician. ... Sir (Charles) Norman Lockhart Stronge 8th bt (1894-1981) Born in Bryansford County Down, assassinated 1981 at Tynan Abbey. ... Terence Marne ONeill, Baron ONeill of the Maine, PC (10 September 1914–12 June 1990) was the fourth Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. ... The Right Honourable Arthur Brian Deane Faulkner, Baron Faulkner of Downpatrick (February 18, 1921 - March 3, 1977) was the sixth and last Prime Minister of Northern Ireland from 1971 until 1972. ...

Canada

The term "Father of the House" is not used in Canada. In Canada, the longest-serving member of the House of Commons who is not a cabinet minister is known as the Dean of the House, after the equivalent position in the American House of Representatives. The House of Commons (French: Chambre des communes) is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the Senate. ... In Canada the Dean of the House is the Member of the House of Commons with the longest unbroken record of sevice who is not a current member of the Cabinet. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ...

Australia

Main article: List of longest-serving members of the Australian House of Representatives. See also: List of longest-serving members of the Australian Senate The first House of Representatives was elected on 30 March 1901. ...

In Australia, the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives, whether a Minister or not, is sometimes known as "Father of the House". Similarly, the longest-serving member of the Senate is sometimes known as "Father of the Senate", and the longer serving of the two fathers is sometimes called "Father of the Parliament". Australian House of Representatives chamber Entrance to the House of Representatives The Australian House of Representatives is one of the two houses (chambers) of the Parliament of Australia. ... Australian Senate chamber Entrance to the Senate The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. ...

As in Britain, these terms have no official status. However, unlike Britain:

• the term Father of the House applies only where there is one person whose service is unequivocally longer than any other, as determined by the date of swearing in. Where two or more members with equal length of service were sworn in on the same day, none of them is considered Father of the House. Only when all the other candidates have left parliament or died, would the remaining member be called Father.
• the Father of the House and the Father of the Senate in Australia have no parliamentary role at all. The election of the presiding officers is conducted by the Clerk of the House and the Clerk of the Senate respectively.

The term is being used less and less in Australia, as it is seen as a British usage, and is also objected to by women MPs as gender-biased. Australian Senate chamber Entrance to the Senate The Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. ... The Clerk of the Australian Senate is the head of the Department of the Senate which is the parliamentary department supporting the work of the Australian Senate. ...

The longest-serving member of the House of Representatives is Phillip Ruddock, who was first elected in 1973. The longest-serving member of the Senate is Senator John Watson, who was elected in 1978. Philip Ruddock Philip Maxwell Ruddock (born March 12, 1943), Australian politician, is Attorney-General in the Coalition Government of Australian Prime Minister John Howard. ... 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday. ... John Odin Wentworth Watson (born 21 January 1937), Australian politician, has been a Liberal member of the Australian Senate July 1978, representing the state of Tasmania. ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ...

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the term Father- or Mother of the House is an unofficial title applied to the longest serving MP in the house, regardless of their position. In fact, the current Mother of the House in the New Zealand Parliament is the current Prime Minister, Helen Clark. Although Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen entered Parliament on the same day, the alphabetical order of swearing in means that Clark has served for slightly longer. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters entered parliament in 1978, three years before Clark, but was out of parliament between 1981 and 1984. The New Zealand Parliament is the legislative body of the New Zealand government. ... A prime minister is the most senior minister of a cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. ... For other persons named Helen Clark, see Helen Clark (disambiguation). ... The Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand is second most senior officer in the Government of New Zealand, although this seniority does not necessarily translate into power. ... Michael Cullen The Hon. ... New Zealand First functions as a political party in New Zealand. ... The Right Honourable Winston Raymond Peters (born April 11, 1945) is a New Zealand politician and the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, outside cabinet. ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Until his retirement in April 2005, the Father of the House was the Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt, first elected in 1966. 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the former Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. ... 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (the link is to a full 1966 calendar). ...

In New Zealand's first elections of 1854, the Bay of Islands electorate was the first to declare the election of a successful candidate, the unopposed candidate Hugh Francis Carleton. In the subsequent General Assembly of 1854, Carleton liked to be known as the Father of the House. An election is a decision making process where people vote for preferred political candidates or parties to act as representatives in government. ... 1854 (MDCCCLIV) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Russell, Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland region of the North Island of New Zealand. ... In politics, an electorate is the group of people entitled to vote in an election. ...

Ireland

Main article: Father of the Dáil

In the Republic of Ireland, the term Father of the Dáil is an unofficial title applied to the longest serving Teachta Dála (TD) in the house, regardless of their position. The current Father of the Dáil is the current Leas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Speaker), Séamus Pattison. He has been a TD since 1961 and intends to retire at the next general election. After the 2007 Irish general election the current leader of the opposition, Enda Kenny TD, will (if re-elected) become the Father of the Dail. Some former Fathers of the Dáil include: In the Republic of Ireland, the term Father of the Dáil is an unofficial title applied to the current member of Dáil Éireann with the longest unbroken period of service, regardless of their position. ... Dáil Éireann[1] is the lower house of the Oireachtas (parliament) of the Republic of Ireland. ... The First Dáil Éireann consisted of the Sinn Féin MPs who were elected in the Dec 18, 1918 UK General Election. ... The Ceann Comhairle1 is the chairman or speaker of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas (parliament) of the Republic of Ireland. ... Séamus Pattison (born April 19, 1936) is an Irish Labour Party politician. ... 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1961 calendar). ... The 30th Irish General Election will be held in 2006 or 2007, after the dissolution of the 29th Dáil by the President, at the request of the Taoiseach. ... Enda Kenny (Irish name: Éanna Ó Cionnaith; born 24 April 1951) is an Irish politician, is the 10th leader of the Fine Gael party and Leader of the Opposition in Dáil Éireann. ...

• Éamon de Valera (1957–1959)
• Dr. James Ryan (1959–1965)
• Frank Aiken (1965–1973)
• Paddy Smith (1973–1977)
• Liam Cosgrave (1977–1981)
• Oliver J. Flanagan (1981–1987)
• Neil T. Blaney (1987–1995)
• Séamus Pattison (1995–present)

To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Dr. James Ryan (December 6, 1891 - September 25, 1970), was a senior Irish politician. ... Frank Aiken (February 13, 1898 - May 18, 1983) was a senior Irish politician. ... Paddy Smith (1901 - 1982) was a senior Irish politician. ... Liam Cosgrave (Irish name Liam Mac Cosgair) (born 13 April 1920), served as the fifth Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland between 1973 and 1977. ... Oliver J. Flanagan (22 May 1920 – 26 April 1987) was an Irish Fine Gael politician. ... Neil Blaney (October 1, 1922 - November 8, 1995), was a senior Irish politician. ... Séamus Pattison (born April 19, 1936) is an Irish Labour Party politician. ...

See also

• List of longest-serving members of the Australian House of Representatives
• Dean of the House (Canada)
• Dean of the House
• Baby of the House
• President pro tempore of the United States Senate
• Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives

See also: List of longest-serving members of the Australian Senate The first House of Representatives was elected on 30 March 1901. ... In Canada the Dean of the House is the Member of the House of Commons with the longest unbroken record of sevice who is not a current member of the Cabinet. ... In several legislatures the Dean of the House is the member with the longest unbroken record of service. ... The Baby of the House is the unofficial moniker given to the youngest member of the House of Commons in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. ... The seal for the President pro tempore of the United States Senate. ... The Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives is the longest-serving (in consecutive terms) member of the United States House of Representatives, at present John Dingell. ...

External links

• House of Commons Information Office PDF document on Fathers of the House