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Lord McFall of Alcluith: Former Dumbarton MP stands down as Lord Speaker

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by Democrat reporter

John McFall, the Dumbarton-born Lord Speaker in the Palace of Westminster, has announced he is to step down several months early from the role at Westminster to support his wife, who is battling Parkinson’s disease.

Lord McFall of Alcluith, a politician and life peer who has served as Lord Speaker since 2021, told the chamber on Thursday it had been “the honour and privilege” of his life to serve the House in the role.

He confirmed he was standing down to support his wife Joan, pictured with him above at their home in Dumbarton,  with her health.
The election to choose his successor was due to be held in July next year, but the peer said his final day in the post would be on February 1, with arrangements being made to provide for “an orderly handover”.
The former Dumbarton and West Dunbartonshire MP told peers: “Some years ago, my wife Joan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Since that time, I have combined my parliamentary work with my responsibilities at home.
“During this period – and indeed throughout my career – the support of my wife has been essential to my service in Parliament.

“It was Joan who encouraged me to return to education and to become a teacher after I left school with no formal qualifications. She selflessly supported me in my work as MP for our home town of Dumbarton as well as in this House.

“I have now taken the decision that I must in future spend the majority of my time at home supporting my wife.

“I have informed the Leader of the House that my final day in this post will be February 1, 2026.

Lord McFall added: “It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve this House as its fourth Lord Speaker. In the remaining months of my tenure I will continue to do my utmost to fulfil my duties diligently.

“My work has been made easier and more satisfying by the friendship and support I have enjoyed from so many of you across the whole House.”

Lord Forsyth, served under the premierships of both Margaret Thatcher and John Major, will be Lord McFall’s successor

The former Conservative minister Lord Michael Forsyth of Drumlean has already been elected as the new Speaker of the House of Lords.

Lord Forsyth will take over from Lord McFall, who is stepping down to care for his wife Joan following her recent Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

Having beaten Baroness Deborah Bull to the role, Lord Forsyth will take his place on the famous Woolsack in February for a five-year term, following approval from King Charles.

His election pitch had promised “leadership for a more effective, respected and influential House” and had argued that “as the Commons continues to struggle to scrutinise legislation effectively, greater pressure will fall on this House”.

Speaking after the result was approved, Lord Forsyth thanked his supporters for their trust, as well as Baroness Bull, who he said had run a “vigorous, courteous, and friendly campaign”.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Lord McFall the outgoing Lord Speaker,” he said.

“He has made great strides in improving the governance of the House and the accountability of the administration to Members.

“I intend to build on that work as chair of the House of Lords Commission and Lord Speaker.”

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