However, the Lord Chancellor continues to hand the speech to the King during the State Opening of Parliament, representing the Government in doing so.

The debate was renewed with proposals put forward by a Leader's Group (an ad hoc committee) led by Alastair Goodlad.

The proposals include allowing the Lord Speaker, during Question Time and ministerial statements, to take on the role of advising the House which party should speak next when there is a dispute.

[1] A further option would allow the Speaker even more power during Question Time, but it was not recommended by the Leader's Group.

On election, the Lord Speaker resigns the party whip or crossbench group and certain outside interests to concentrate on being an impartial presiding officer.

Like the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Speaker wears court dress with a plain black silk gown while presiding over the House and a black silk damask and gold lace ceremonial gown on state occasions.

To date holders of the office have chosen not to wear a wig, as the Lord Chancellor previously did, though they do have the option.

The Lord Speaker is preceded by the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms or Principal Doorkeeper of the House (who bears the Mace).

Together, they move through the Not-content Lobby, entering the Chamber below the bar, and finish by walking up the Temporal (opposition) side toward the Woolsack.

The Mace is placed on the Woolsack, where the Lord Speaker sits after a bishop has led the House in prayers.