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The first time a newly elected MP speaks in the Chamber of the House of Commons is known as a maiden speech. By tradition, the MP is called ahead of other MPs who may have indicated their wish to speak in the same debate. Members can also make their maiden speeches in Westminster Hall, but this is rare.

A maiden speech should be uncontroversial, fairly brief, include a tribute to the MP’s predecessor in the seat, irrespective of party, and contain remarks about the constituency. It is a tradition that a maiden speech is heard without interruption and for any speeches that may follow to praise the new MP’s first contribution.

The MPs Guide to Procedure provides Guidance for new Members on maiden speeches.

MPs may:

  • wait to make their maiden speech before speaking at all in the Chamber
  • take part in questions but seek to speak in debate only when ready to deliver a maiden speech
  • take part fully in proceedings without making a traditional maiden speech

Maiden speeches since 2017

2024 Parliament

335 new MPs were returned at the 2024 general election. These include three Sinn Féin MPs, who did not take the oath or make an affirmation and were therefore disqualified from taking part in proceedings. See the Commons Library briefing on the Parliamentary oath for more information. 15 former MPs were re-elected and did not make an additional maiden speech.

2019 Parliament

140 new MPs were returned at the 2019 general election. These included one Sinn Féin MP, who did not take the oath or make an affirmation and was therefore disqualified from taking part in proceedings. 15 former MPs were re-elected and did not make an additional maiden speech. 22 MPs were elected at by-elections, including one former MP. See the Library briefing UK parliamentary by-elections since 1945 for details.

2017 Parliament

87 new MPs were returned at the 2015 general election. 12 former MPs were re-elected. A further five MPs were returned at by-elections during the Parliament, one of which, a Sinn Féin MP, did not take the oath or make the affirmation and so could not take part in proceedings.

Election results

Analysis of the results for the 2024, 2019 and 2017 General Elections is available in the following Commons Library Briefing Papers together with the full results for download in the supporting CSV files:

Parliament: Facts and figures

The Parliament: Facts and figures series covers topics including elections, government, legislation, Members and parliamentary business.

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] with comments, corrections, or if you would like to access the data in a different format.

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