Celebrating the Deputy Speakers of the UK House of Commons

Women Speakers: Leading Roles - Rt Hon. Caroline Nokes, MP

Second Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons

Constituency: Romsey and Southampton North
First elected to the UK Parliament: 6 May 2010.

Published 3 February 2025. Interview by Natasa Pantelic.

• Who inspired you growing up and how did they affect your journey to becoming a Parliamentarian?

I always say my dad at this point, but not entirely sure if that is true. He certainly showed me the importance of standing up for what you believe in, doing what you think is right for your local community and not being afraid to stick your head above the parapet! However, there have been lots of other people along the way, some of the best advice has always come from the most unexpected sources, and I can always remember Joan Ruddock being a fabulous source of inspiration in the Lady Members' Room when I was a new MP in 2010.

Theresa May was an absolute rock as Party Chairman when I was first selected. But perhaps the biggest influence was an A-Level Economics teacher, back in 1988, who used to yell at me, "answer the question set" whenever I splurged everything I knew about supply and demand onto four sides of A4. It was perhaps really bad advice when it came to interviews though, I am not so great at the ‘Matt Hancock pivot’.

• Why did you stand to be Deputy Speaker?

I have had a number of different roles in the UK Parliament and with the UK Government. I loved being a member of the Panel of Chairs in the last Parliament, chairing both debates in Westminster Hall and Bill Committees / Delegated Legislation Committees etc.

It gives you the opportunity to learn more about your colleagues, the issues they care about and what makes them tick. Some of the best moments have been sitting listening to the new Members' maiden speeches, finding out that absolutely everyone represents the most beautiful constituency in the whole country.

However, it is a massive responsibility, and I never forget that. Each and every day I go into that Chair with the ‘don’t mess it up’ words of Ru Paul ringing in my ears.

• What are your priorities for the role?

I want colleagues to be the best they can be, for their constituents and in holding the UK Government to account. It is very challenging when there are so many new MPs to give everyone the chance to shine, but they are making a great start! I well remember what it was like as a new MP, when the Chamber was still quite a daunting place (it still can be, even for an old bag like me) so it matters that you help new Members find their feet, encourage them when they do something brilliantly and gently correct them when things go wrong. Of course, they will go wrong, they do for everyone, what matters is that we all learn and move on.

• How are you balancing your role as a constituency MP vs a Deputy Speaker? What are you doing differently?

I do find it difficult when there are debates which my constituents really care about to be in the Chair rather than speaking. However, you learn quickly the different ways to use any influence you have, and it is just a new way of working, away from the jostle of party politics. One of the challenges is that I just have less time in the constituency and in front of my ever-growing inbox. Sundays have become an absolutely essential opportunity to clear the emails before the mayhem starts again on a Monday morning.

• What’s the best thing about working with two other women in the Deputy Speaker role and with the Speaker?

We make a great team, we all work very hard to support Mr Speaker and get on brilliantly.  I can honestly say I feel blessed.  There are always those classic little moments when Judith has to do up my dress for me (I am not sure I would have asked a male fellow Deputy to do that), or you just nip into the chamber to see if one of your colleagues needs a loo break!  Sometimes the chamber is cold, the shifts can be long, and you just need a five-minute comfort break, that's why it really helps that we all get on and are happy to help each other out.

• Only 64 women preside over one of the Houses of 190 Parliaments around the world. What’s your message to women in those Parliaments who are thinking about standing for this role but are not sure?

Do it! It is difficult, sometimes stressful, but a massive privilege. I have not regretted putting myself forward for this role for one single moment.

• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given that you’d like to share with women on International Women’s Day?

That you don’t have to aspire to be like anyone else, just be you. Oh, and wear what you like. I have spent my whole life listening to other people about what I should wear. Don't listen. Be happy in your own skin and your own clothes.

• Finally, do you have a favourite procedural rule from Erskine May?

A favourite? No, but I love a Point of Order. They're almost invariably not a Point of Order but the MP who has raised it usually gets a wry smile from me as I explain that to them. They know it’s not a Point of Order, I know it’s not a Point of Order, but it’s on the record anyway.

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