Lord Speaker John McFall steps down to support his wife  

John McFall, the lord speaker of the House of Lords, has announced his intention to step down from his role early to support his wife.  

Speaking in the Chamber of the House of Lords today, Lord McFall said he would step down from the role in February 2026, five months earlier than planned.  

“Some years ago, my wife Joan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” said McFall.  “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 hometown 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.” 

Raised on a Dumbarton council estate, McFall left school at 15, enrolling in night classes in his 20s and then pursuing a career in teaching. He taught chemistry and maths in secondary schools before becoming a head teacher and moving into the world of politics. 

McFall sat as the Labour MP for Dumbarton from 1987 to 2005 and West Dunbartonshire from 2005 to 2010. Created a life peer in 2010 by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, he sat as the senior deputy speaker from 2016 before his election to the role of lord speaker in 2021. 

“It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve this House as its fourth lord speaker,” said McFall. “In the remaining months of my tenure I will continue to do my utmost to fulfil my duties diligently.” 

As lord speaker, McFall delivered speeches to a range of public bodies, hosted a podcast discussing the business of the Lords and became the first lord speaker to visit devolved parliaments and assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

“My Lords, 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,” said McFall.

“I have been ably supported by the excellent and dedicated team of deputy speakers. I have benefited each and every day from the superb work of the staff of the House, in particular the exceptional team in my own office.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all noble Lords and to the staff of the House for the unstinting support I have received.”