Tears from the Deputy Speaker as she bows out after 27 years as a serving MP

DEPUTY Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing was left close to tears following tributes from MPs, as she prepared to leave the “best job in the world”.

The Conservative MP of 27 years said it was “very difficult” to make the announcement, but she would not seek re-election on July 4 to enable others to experience the opportunities she has been “so fortunate” to have.

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said Dame Eleanor (Epping Forest) had been a “wonderful colleague” and recalled help she received from her in the week of the Queen’s death in 2022.

Ms Mordaunt said: “I had arrived on Monday as a junior trade minister with enough clothes for four days.

“As I live in Portsmouth, I don’t have a home in London and was unable to go back to Portsmouth, had no clothes, let alone anything black, and it was thanks to madam Deputy Speaker’s initiative and kindness that I was dressed for the accession council.

“Her hairband in particular, I think, was a global, viral sensation. But it’s a good example of your care for all of us.”

Dame Eleanor replied: “Thank you very much indeed. The tears are definitely coming to my eyes now and who would have known of our skills in millinery, but it’s amazing what one turns one’s hand to in this place, especially in an emergency.

“People see the tip of the iceberg, they have no idea how much is going on underneath.

“It’s very difficult to leave a job that you love and, for me, being chairman of Ways and Means is the tip of my iceberg, the summit of my Everest. But as far as I’m concerned it’s the best job in the world.

“It’s very difficult to leave it, I’m also honoured to have served the people of Epping Forest for 27 years. I would like it to be thought that I was 20 when I started – that’s not quite correct.”