The Lord Speaker has announced he is stepping down several months early to support his wife, Joan, who has Parkinson’s.

Lord John McFall of Alcluith told the House of Lords on Thursday that he must spend the majority of his time at home supporting his wife.

The former Labour MP for Dumbarton has served as Lord Speaker since 2021. The election for his successor was due to take place next July.

However, Lord McFall said he will now be stepping down from his post a few months earlier than that.

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

“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.

“She sel

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