Former Speaker dies

Updated 17.22 Mon May 07 2007

Keywords: Lord Weatherill, House of Commons, politics

Lord Weatherill, the former Speaker of the House of Commons, has died.

The peer, who was Speaker between 1983 and 1992 and oversaw the introduction of television cameras to the chamber, passed away after a short illness on the night before his 87th birthday.

"We will all miss him greatly" - Bruce Weatherill

His son Bruce Weatherill said: "We will all miss him greatly."

Before entering the House of Lords, Bernard Weatherill had served as MP for Croydon North East from 1964 until 1992.

When footage from the Commons began being routinely broadcast in 1990, he gained fame around the world for the wit and composure he displayed in handling often boisterous Prime Minister's Questions sessions.

He was also the last speaker to choose to wear the wig while presiding over business, claiming it offered the benefit of allowing him to hear selectively.

Lord Weatherill is survived by his wife Lyn, three children Bernard, Bruce and Virginia, and seven grandchildren.