Who was known as "the Father of the House of Commons"?

Stew54

Not sure if this is what you're after but there is a custom, also observed in Oz I think, to refer to the longest-serving member (of any party) as the Father of the House. This person has no special status except to preside if there is to be an election for the Speaker (and for this reason I think that ministers are not able to be Father of the House even if they are the longest serving MP). Currently the Father of the House is Tam Dalyell, who took over from Ted Heath. The first MP to be so recognised was Sir Thomas Fagg in 1701. Jan 11 05, 12:45 PM

wroot

Not what I had in mind, a historical figure, who is permanently known as "The Father of the House of Commons", not an everchanging person. Jan 11 05, 12:56 PM

Stew54

I guess we'd have to go back a very long time then. How about Simon de Montfort. I seem to recall he was responsible for the calling of the first parliament that included commoners. Quoting an authority was difficult; I didn't know if I was right! However, having searched afresh all I can find is endless copies and extracts from the Wikipedia article about Simon, which asserts (without authority) that this is how he is remembered. I hadn't heard him called that before, though it's not implausible. Jan 11 05, 1:10 PM

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