The House of Commons: structure and members
Democratically elected chamber of 650 MPs
First Past the Post
Governing party
Sit on the right
100 ministerial positions
Opposition
Shadow ministers
Frontbenchers
Pay and privilege
MPs - £75k
Independent Parliamentary Salaries Authority
Expenses
Employing staff
Accommodation
Travel
Expenses Scandal 2009
Parliamentary Privilege
Legal immunity
Freedom of speech
Exclusive cognisance
Recall of MPs Act 2015
8 weeks
10% of voters
By - election
Key office holders
Whips
The speaker
Ensuring MPs attend divisions
Follow party instructions on votes
Three line whip
Strict instruction to vote
Enforcing discipline
Providing assurances
Making offers
Offering threats
Presides over debates
Selecting MPs to speak
Maintaining order
Elected by MPs in secret ballot
Gives up party affiliation
Michael Martin
Forced out of office for handling of expenses scandal