The Annual JH Whitley Memorial Lecture 2025

The Right Hon. J H Whitley was Liberal MP for Halifax from 1900-1928 and Speaker of the House of Commons from 1920-1928. In his memory the University of Huddersfield and Whitley Family have held an annual lecture since 2012 following the Whitley family's generous donation of the J.H. Whitley collection in October 2011 to the University of Huddersfield.

This year’s lecture will feature and ‘In Conversation’ style lecture from the current Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, looking at the comparison between the challenges of the speakership today and those of J H Whitley 100 years ago.

This event will consist of a 30 minute lecture, followed by 20 minutes for questions and answers.

The Speaker – Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s world has always revolved around politics. As a babe in arms in 1957, he attended his first Labour Party conference with his father, Doug – the late Lord Hoyle - then an aspiring MP.

From the age of seven, he was a regular on the campaign trail, delivering leaflets to help his father’s first attempt to stand in Clitheroe. When Doug Hoyle finally secured the Nelson and Colne constituency in 1974, it was no surprise Lindsay’s political career was set.

He became the youngest ever councillor to serve Chorley when elected in 1980 at the age of 22. He went on to become Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, and then Mayor of Chorley in 1997-1998.

Having his appetite wetted by local politics, Lindsay stood and won the Chorley seat in 1997 – the first Labour MP to represent the constituency for 18 years.

In Parliament, Lindsay has served on the Trade & Industry Select Committee and the European Scrutiny Committee – and in 2010, he was elected by fellow MPs to the position of Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means.

But on a pledge to keep MPs, staff and their families safe, to be an impartial chair and improve the image of Parliament, Lindsay was elected as Speaker on 4 November 2019, following the resignation of Speaker John Bercow.

Lindsay is a keen supporter of and advocate for the Armed Forces. Another key aim of his Speakership is to strengthen and renew the UK’s ties with the Commonwealth group of nations and British Overseas Territories.

At home, Lindsay is a family man and the proud owner of a menagerie of pets. He is devoted to wife Catherine, his daughter and two grandchildren. Outside of politics, he is a fan of football, cricket, and Rugby League.

The lecture will take place at the University of Huddersfield (Oastler Building). The talk is free to attend however please register your attendance via the 'Reserve a spot' button above.

Please note that Photographic ID (that matches the name booked with) will be required for entry to the event and bag searches will be undertaken

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