# Father of the House

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Longest-serving continuous member of parliament

**Father of the House** is a title that has been traditionally bestowed, unofficially, on certain members of some [legislatures](/source/Legislature), most notably the [House of Commons](/source/United_Kingdom_House_of_Commons) in the [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom). In some legislatures the title refers to the longest continuously serving member, while in others it refers to the oldest member. Recently, the title **Mother of the House** or Mother of Parliament has also been used, although the usage varies among countries; it is either the female alternative to Father of the House, being applied when the relevant member is a woman, or refers to the oldest or longest-serving woman without reference to male members.

## United Kingdom

Main article: [Father of the House (United Kingdom)](/source/Father_of_the_House_(United_Kingdom))

Sir [Edward Leigh](/source/Edward_Leigh), the incumbent Father of the UK House of Commons

The Father of the House is a title that is bestowed on the [senior](/source/Seniority) male member of the House of Commons who has the longest continuous service.[1][2] If two or more members have the same length of current uninterrupted service, then whoever was sworn in earlier, as listed in *[Hansard](/source/Hansard)*, is named as Father of the House.[3] Traditionally, however, the qualifications used for the Father of the House are not entirely clear and may have included the oldest member, the member with the longest aggregate service, or the member who entered the House longest ago.[2] The first recorded usage of the term dates to 1788, in an obituary of [Thomas Noel](/source/Thomas_Noel_(MP)).[1] In 2017, [Harriet Harman](/source/Harriet_Harman) was described as "[Mother of the House](/source/Mother_of_the_House_(United_Kingdom))" by Prime Minister [Theresa May](/source/Theresa_May), in recognition of her status as the longest-continuously serving woman MP.[4] During speeches at the re-opening of Parliament after the [2024 General Election](/source/2024_United_Kingdom_general_election), [Diane Abbott](/source/Diane_Abbott) was also described as the "Mother of the House" by Prime Minister [Keir Starmer](/source/Keir_Starmer), and then [Leader of the Opposition](/source/Leader_of_the_Opposition_(United_Kingdom)) [Rishi Sunak](/source/Rishi_Sunak).[5]

The only formal duty of the Father of the House is to preside over the election of the [Speaker of the House of Commons](/source/Speaker_of_the_House_of_Commons_(United_Kingdom)). The Father of the House may also participate in ceremonial events, and is the second member to be sworn in after the Speaker.[6]

Among the twentieth-century Fathers, there were several very prominent figures; four former prime ministers became Father of the House,[7] and a fifth, [Henry Campbell-Bannerman](/source/Henry_Campbell-Bannerman), was simultaneously Father of the House and Prime Minister from 22 May 1907 until shortly before his death on 22 April 1908.[1][8]

### Devolved legislatures

In the [Senedd](/source/Senedd) of Wales, Father of the House is an official title bestowed on the longest-serving [Member of the Senedd](/source/Member_of_the_Senedd). The first to hold the title was [Rod Richards](/source/Rod_Richards), who was the first member to be sworn in following the [first election](/source/1999_National_Assembly_for_Wales_election) to the legislature in 1999, while the current father is [John Griffiths](/source/John_Griffiths_(Welsh_politician)), who was also elected in 1999.[9][10][11] In the [Scottish Parliament](/source/Scottish_Parliament), both Father of the House and Mother of the House are used for the longest serving [Members of the Scottish Parliament](/source/Member_of_the_Scottish_Parliament).[12][13] The current mother is [Christine Grahame](/source/Christine_Grahame) while the current father is [John Swinney](/source/John_Swinney), who were both first elected at the [1999 Scottish Parliament election](/source/1999_Scottish_Parliament_election).[14][15] The [Northern Ireland Assembly](/source/Northern_Ireland_Assembly) also grants the title of Father of the House to its longest serving male member.[16][17] The current father is [Alan Chambers](/source/Alan_Chambers_(Northern_Ireland_politician)).[18]

## Australia

Main article: [List of longest-serving members of the Parliament of Australia](/source/List_of_longest-serving_members_of_the_Parliament_of_Australia)

[Bob Katter](/source/Bob_Katter), the incumbent Father of the house

The titles "Father of the House" and "Father of the Senate" are sometimes used to refer to the members of each chamber of the [Parliament of Australia](/source/Parliament_of_Australia) with the longest continuous service.[19] The current Father of the House is [Bob Katter](/source/Bob_Katter) (MP since 1993) and the current Mother of the Senate is [Penny Wong](/source/Penny_Wong) (senator since 2002).

According to *House of Representatives Practice*, the title Father of the House is a "completely informal designation" with "no functions attached to it".[20] The equivalent publication for the Senate, *Odgers' Australian Senate Practice*, describes the title Father of the Senate as "now seldom referred to or used". It also notes that "as no woman senator has ever been in this situation, it is not clear what the title would be in that circumstance".[21]

## Canada

Main article: [Dean of the House (Canada)](/source/Dean_of_the_House_(Canada))

The longest-serving member of the [House of Commons](/source/House_of_Commons_of_Canada) who is not a cabinet minister is known as the Dean of the House, and presides over the election of the [Speaker](/source/Speaker_of_the_House_of_Commons_of_Canada) at the beginning of each Parliament. The current Dean of the House is [Bloc Québécois](/source/Bloc_Qu%C3%A9b%C3%A9cois) MP [Louis Plamondon](/source/Louis_Plamondon), who was first elected to the Commons as a member of the [Progressive Conservative Party](/source/Progressive_Conservative_Party_of_Canada) in 1984 and serving as the Dean of the House since 2008.

## Czech Republic

In the [Chamber of Deputies](/source/Chamber_of_Deputies_of_the_Czech_Republic), if previous [president](/source/President_of_the_Chamber_of_Deputies_(Czech_Republic)) of the Chamber of Deputies or his deputies are not elected, the oldest MP serves as the acting president presiding over the constitutive session, before new president is elected.[22]

- 1993: Robert Dostál — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 1996: [Zdeněk Jičínský](/source/Zden%C4%9Bk_Ji%C4%8D%C3%ADnsk%C3%BD) — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 1998: [Augustin Bubník](/source/Augustin_Bubn%C3%ADk) — [Civic Democratic Party](/source/Civic_Democratic_Party_(Czech_Republic))

- 2002: [Břetislav Petr](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=B%C5%99etislav_Petr&action=edit&redlink=1) [[cz](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C5%99etislav_Petr)] — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 2003: [Zdeněk Jičínský](/source/Zden%C4%9Bk_Ji%C4%8D%C3%ADnsk%C3%BD) — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 2010: [Karel Schwarzenberg](/source/Karel_Schwarzenberg) — [TOP 09](/source/TOP_09)

- 2021: [Bohuslav Svoboda](/source/Bohuslav_Svoboda) — [Civic Democratic Party](/source/Civic_Democratic_Party_(Czech_Republic))

In the [Senate](/source/Senate_of_the_Czech_Republic), if previous [president](/source/President_of_the_Senate_of_the_Czech_Republic) of the Senate or his deputies are not elected for the next term, the oldest senator serves as the acting president presiding over the opening session gathered every two years, before election of the new president.[23]

- 1996: Jaroslav Musial — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 2000: [Jaroslava Moserová](/source/Jaroslava_Moserov%C3%A1) — [Civic Democratic Alliance](/source/Civic_Democratic_Alliance)

- 2004: [Bedřich Moldan](/source/Bed%C5%99ich_Moldan) — [Civic Democratic Party](/source/Civic_Democratic_Party_(Czech_Republic))

- 2010: [Jiří Dienstbier](/source/Ji%C5%99%C3%AD_Dienstbier) — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 2011: Pavel Lebeda — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 2014: [František Čuba](/source/Franti%C5%A1ek_%C4%8Cuba) — [Party of Civic Rights](/source/Party_of_Civic_Rights)

- 2018: Jaroslav Malý — [Czech Social Democratic Party](/source/Czech_Social_Democratic_Party)

- 2020: Jaroslav Doubrava — [Severočeši.cz](/source/Severo%C4%8De%C5%A1i.cz)

- 2022: Jan Pirk – [TOP 09](/source/TOP_09)

## European Parliament

Main article: [Oldest Member (European Parliament)](/source/Oldest_Member_(European_Parliament))

Until 2009, the oldest member of the European Parliament presided over the opening of a new session and the election of the [president of the European Parliament](/source/President_of_the_European_Parliament).[24]

## Finland

Member Born Entered parliament Became oldest member Iisakki Hoikka 1840 1907 1907–1908 John Hedberg 1840 1908 1908–1909 Leo Mechelin 1839 1910 1910–1913 John Hedberg 1840 1908 1914 Axel Lille 1848 1916 1917 Rabbe Wrede 1851 1910 1917–1918 Wilhelmi Malmivaara 1854 1907 1919 Artur Wuorimaa 1854 1907 1920–1921 Waldemar Bergroth 1852 1917 1922–1926 Juho Torppa 1859 1907 1927–1929 Anders Forsberg 1864 1924 1929–1930 Pehr Evind Svinhufvud 1861 1907 1930–1931 K. J. Ståhlberg 1865 1908 1932 Matti Paasivuori 1866 1907 1933–1935 Miina Sillanpää 1866 1907 1936–1947 Akseli Brander 1876 1933 1948–1950 Väinö Tanner 1881 1907 1951–1953 Matti Lahtela 1881 1930 1954–1957 Väinö Tanner 1881 1907 1958–1961 Raino Hallberg 1890 1951 1962–1965 Kustaa Tiitu 1896 1945 1966–1969 Rafael Paasio 1903 1948 1970–1975 Evald Häggblom 1905 1966 1975, 1976 V. J. Sukselainen 1906 1948 1976–1978 Mikko Kaarna 1911 1960 1979–1982 Tuure Junnila 1910 1951 1983–1986 Johannes Virolainen 1914 1945 1987–1989 Tuure Junnila 1910 1951 (again 1990) 1990 Maunu Kohijoki 1923 1987 1991–1994 Martti Tiuri 1925 1983 1995–2002 Kalevi Lamminen 1935 1987 2003–2006 Claes Andersson 1937 1987 2007–2008 Jacob Söderman[25] 1938 1972 2008[26][27]-2010 Kauko Tuupainen 1940 2011 2011–2013 Jörn Donner 1933 1987 (again 2013) 2014 Pertti Salolainen 1940 1970 2015–2018 Erkki Tuomioja 1946 1970 2019–2022 Kimmo Kiljunen 1951 1995 2023–

## Germany

Main article: [President by right of age of the Bundestag](/source/President_by_right_of_age_of_the_Bundestag)

Starting with the Frankfurter Nationalversammlung ([Frankfurt Parliament](/source/Frankfurt_Parliament)) of 1848, and based on older regional traditions, basically all German nation-wide, state-level and lower parliaments had a father of the House at the start of each legislative period, usually called *Alterspräsident* (President by right of age). This [elder statesman](/source/Politician) steps forward to break the tie among equal members, to open the proceedings and to arrange the very first self-organizing election without external help from e.g. parliament employees. Then, the elected president takes over.

This tradition was continued from the [North German Confederation](/source/North_German_Confederation) into the 1871 [German Empire](/source/German_Empire) (also known as [Weimar Republic](/source/Weimar_Republic) after 1918) and, after being discontinued in [Nazi Germany](/source/Nazi_Germany), was resumed in 1949 by the present Parliament ([Bundestag](/source/Bundestag)) in the [Federal Republic](/source/Germany) until it was discontinued again before the [2017 German federal election](/source/2017_German_federal_election) to prevent any member of the upcoming [Alternative for Germany](/source/Alternative_for_Germany) (AfD), or any other new party, as the position was changed to refer to the longest sitting member. Thus the meaning of *Alter* (age, literally oldness) was shifted from *Lebensalter* (age of life) to *Dienstalter* (age of service).

In accordance with tradition up to 2013, the *Alterspräsident* first ascertained himself that he was indeed the oldest member of the Bundestag by stating his date of birth and asking if anyone is present who was born before this date. If no older member of the Bundestag was present he would formally declare that he indeed is the Alterspräsident and will start proceedings. Starting from 2017, the prospective Alterspräsident states the number of years served in the Bundestag and asks if anyone has served more years.

The *Alterspräsident* then greets the present members and delivers the first programmatic speech. After appointing members to write down notes, the identity, affiliation to parties or factions and number of members is checked. The largest faction usually is asked who they propose as candidate for president, and according to another tradition, this candidate is then elected without much controversy. After supervising the election of the [president of the Bundestag](/source/President_of_the_Bundestag) the *Alterspräsident* immediately yields his power to the elected president who, after receiving congratulations, takes over. The newly elected president will in turn supervise the elections of the vice presidents who form the [Presidium of the Bundestag](/source/Presidium_of_the_Bundestag) that organizes parliament sessions. Usually, each recognized faction proposes a candidate that is elected without much controversy. Since 2017, none of over 40 AfD candidates has been elected as Bundestags-Vizepräsident, though, while some state parliaments have elected an AfD vice president. In addition, the factions appoint members for the *Ältestenrat*, the [Council of Elders of the Bundestag](/source/Council_of_Elders_of_the_Bundestag), which organizes the parliament work behind the scenes.

The rules of order of the Bundestag also state that the *Alterspräsident* shall preside over sessions of the Bundestag at any given time during a legislative period, if the whole Presidium (i.e. the president and the vice presidents of the Bundestag) is altogether unable to perform its duties. With the number of vice presidents growing over time, this became unlikely.

As the *Alterspräsident'*s opening speech usually draws a certain amount of public attention, the position has recently attracted controversy, when after German Reunification the [Party of Democratic Socialism](/source/Party_of_Democratic_Socialism_(Germany)) (the successor of the [Socialist Unity Party of Germany](/source/Socialist_Unity_Party_of_Germany) which had ruled communist East Germany) obtained the position by including aged independents (writer [Stefan Heym](/source/Stefan_Heym) in 1994, [Fred Gebhardt](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fred_Gebhardt&action=edit&redlink=1) in 1998) in their party lists. In 2017, facing the new AfD, the Bundestag changed its rules of procedure to have the member with the longest service in the Bundestag serve as father of the house, rather than the oldest member, especially as the oldest member of the Bundestag at the time, [Wilhelm von Gottberg](/source/Wilhelm_von_Gottberg), was a Holocaust denier;[28][29] however, these changed rules of procedure nonetheless allowed [Gregor Gysi](/source/Gregor_Gysi) of [Die Linke](/source/Die_Linke) (the successor of the PDS, of which he was the founder and inaugural leader) to attain this position.

Alterspräsidenten of the German Bundestag Bundestag Name Term Parliamentary party Notes 1 1949–1953 Paul Löbe (1875–1967) 1949–1953 SPD longtime Reichstagspräsident during the Weimar Republic 2 1953–1957 Marie Elisabeth Lüders (1878–1966) 1953–1957 FDP stood in for Konrad Adenauer, the oldest member, who refused the position due to his position as Chancellor 3 1957–1961 Marie Elisabeth Lüders 1957–1961 FDP 4 1961–1965 Robert Pferdmenges (1880–1962) 1961–1962 CDU Konrad Adenauer (1876–1967) 1963–1965 CDU assumed the position after his resignation as Chancellor[citation needed] 5 1965–1969 Konrad Adenauer 1965–1967 CDU died in 1967 William Borm (1895–1987) 1967–1969 FDP 6 1969–1972 William Borm 1969–1972 FDP 7 1972–1976 Ludwig Erhard (1897–1977) 1972–1976 CDU 8 1976–1980 Ludwig Erhard 1976–1977 CDU died in 1977 Johann Baptist Gradl (1904–1988) 1977–1980 CDU 9 1980–1983 Herbert Wehner (1906–1990) 1980–1983 SPD 10 1983–1987 Willy Brandt (1913–1992) 1983–1987 SPD stood in for Egon Franke, who refused the position because of criminal investigations conducted against him at the beginning of the legislative period 11 1987–1990 Willy Brandt 1987–1990 SPD 12 1990–1994 Willy Brandt 1990–1992 SPD died in 1992 Alfred Dregger (1920–2002) 1992–1994 CDU 13 1994–1998 Stefan Heym (1913–2001) 1994–1995 PDS resigned his seat in 1995 Alfred Dregger (1920–2002) 1995–1998 CDU 14 1998–2002 Fred Gebhardt (1928–2000) 1998–2000 PDS died in 2000 Hans-Eberhard Urbaniak (born 1929) 2000–2002 SPD 15 2002–2005 Otto Schily (born 1932) 2002–2005 SPD 16 2005–2009 2005–2009 SPD 17 2009–2013 Heinz Riesenhuber (born 1935) 2009–2013 CDU 18 2013–2017 2013–2017 CDU 19 2017–2021 Hermann Otto Solms (born 1940, member of parliament for 33 years, 1980–2013 and 2017–2021) 2017–2021 FDP The first father of the house under the changed rules of procedure. Stood in for Wolfgang Schäuble (member of parliament for 45 years, since 1972), who was nominated (and subsequently elected) President of the Bundestag, so that he would not have to preside over his own election. 20 2021–2025 Wolfgang Schäuble (1942–2023, member of parliament 1972–2023) 2021–2023 CDU Peter Ramsauer (born 1954, member of parliament since 1990) 2023–2025 CSU 20 since 2025 Gregor Gysi (born 1948, member of parliament for 32 years, 1990–2002 and since 2005) 2025– Die Linke

## Hong Kong

Main article: [Senior Unofficial Member](/source/Senior_Unofficial_Member)

In Hong Kong, there is no such term as "Father of the House". Instead, the longest-serving member was termed the [Senior Unofficial Member](/source/Senior_Unofficial_Member) and was the highest-ranking unofficial member of the [Executive Council](/source/Executive_Council_of_Hong_Kong) and the [Legislative Council](/source/Legislative_Council_of_Hong_Kong) until the title was abolished in 1995 and 1992 respectively.

After the [handover of Hong Kong](/source/Handover_of_Hong_Kong), the member of the Legislative Council with the highest order of precedence, determined according to the length of continuous service in the council, was tasked with presiding over the election of President of the council, until 2017.

## Hungary

In Hungary, the term *országgyűlés korelnöke* (President by the age) refers to the oldest member of the [National Assembly](/source/National_Assembly_(Hungary)) (previously [House of Representatives](/source/Diet_of_Hungary), the lower house). Before the open session, the senior chairperson and junior notaries review the mandates of all the elected MPs in addition to their own. The member presides over the newly elected parliament until the appointment of the officials.

[József Madarász](/source/J%C3%B3zsef_Madar%C3%A1sz) who was Father of the House from 1892 to his death in 1915 at the age of 100, was also member of the Parliament from 1848 (whenever it was convened) and prior to that he was emissary of the Hungarian Diet, the predecessor of Parliament in Hungary, from 1832. Thus making him the longest serving member of Parliament in Hungary at a record of 82 years.

Member Party Entered Parliament Became oldest member Left House Géza Malasits MSZDP 1924 1945 1948 † MDP Dezső Pattantyús-Ábrahám FMDP 1947 1948 1949 Ferenc Harrer Ind. 1949 1949 1969 † Janka Stark MSZMP 1958 1969 1975 László Pesta MSZMP 1949 1975 1990 Kálmán Kéri MDF 1990 1990 1994 † Vince Vörös [hu] FKGP 1990 1994 1994 László Varga [hu] KDNP 1994 1994 2003 † Fidesz János Horváth Fidesz 1998 2003 2014 Béla Turi-Kovács Fidesz 1998 2014 2023 † János Fónagy Fidesz 1998 2023 2026 István Vitányi Fidesz 1998 2026

## Israel

In the beginning of some [Knessets](/source/Knesset), the oldest member assumes temporary duties of the speaker before the election of a permanent [speaker](/source/Speaker_(politics)), In the past it was the oldest member of Knesset, now it is the longest-serving member. The oldest member of the [25th Knesset](/source/List_of_members_of_the_twenty-fifth_Knesset) is [Benjamin Netanyahu](/source/Benjamin_Netanyahu).

## Ireland

Main article: [Father of the Dáil](/source/Father_of_the_D%C3%A1il)

In [Ireland](/source/Republic_of_Ireland), the term **Father of the Dáil** is an unofficial title applied to the [longest-serving Teachta Dála](/source/Records_of_members_of_the_Oireachtas) (TD) in [Dáil Éireann](/source/D%C3%A1il_%C3%89ireann). The current Father of the Dáil is [Willie O'Dea](/source/Willie_O'Dea) having been first elected to the Dáil in the [February 1982 general election](/source/February_1982_Irish_general_election). On a number of occasions, two or more people have shared the position of Father of the Dáil.

## Luxembourg

In [Luxembourg](/source/Luxembourg)'s unicameral parliament, the [Chamber of Deputies](/source/Chamber_of_Deputies_(Luxembourg)), there is no formal title for the oldest member. Per the Chamber's regulations, the longest-serving deputy (variously known as the *doyen* in French or *déngschteelsten Députéierten* in Luxembourgish) serves as [President of the Chamber](/source/List_of_presidents_of_the_Chamber_of_Deputies_of_Luxembourg) during the first session of a legislature, until a president is formally elected. They are assisted in this task by the two [youngest members](/source/Baby_of_the_House#Luxembourg), known as *secrétaires d'âge*.[30] Until 2004, the role was fulfilled by the oldest member (*doyen d'âge*).

Two deputies have served both as *secrétaire d'âge* and *doyen* over their careers: Jean Spautz (1959 and 1999) and Michel Wolter (1984 and 2023).

List of deputies who have presided by virtue of being the longest serving member Legislature Member Party First elected Time spent as member as of start of legislature 2004–2009 Jean Asselborn LSAP 1984 19 years, 363 days 2009–2013 Lucien Weiler CSV 1984 24 years, 357 days 2013–2018 Anne Brasseur DP 1979 29 years, 123 days 2018–2023 Gast Gybérien ADR 1989 29 years, 104 days 2023–2028 Michel Wolter CSV 1984 29 years, 280 days

List of deputies who have presided by virtue of being the oldest member Legislature Member Party Born Age at start of legislature 1887–1890 Théodore de Wacquant 22 July 1815 72 years, 109 days 1890–1893 75 years, 105 days 1893–1896 78 years, 108 days 1896–1899 81 years, 111 days 1899–1902 Jean Föhr 2 March 1819 80 years, 250 days 1902–1905 83 years, 247 days 1905–1908 86 years, 250 days 1908–1911 89 years, 253 days 1945–1948 Nicolas Wirtgen 16 January 1866 79 years, 294 days 1948–1951 Léon Kinsch CSV 10 November 1870 77 years, 253 days 1951–1954 80 years, 242 days 1954–1959 Émile Reuter CSV 2 August 1874 79 years, 338 days 1959–1964 François Cigrang DP 1 March 1883 76 years, 4 days 1964–1968 Pierre Gansen LSAP 18 March 1896 68 years, 125 days 1969–1974 Antoine Krier LSAP 21 April 1897 71 years, 290 days 1974–1979 Joseph Grandgenet KPL 28 February 1898 76 years, 119 days 1979–1984 Jean-Pierre Urwald CSV 29 January 1905 74 years, 158 days 1984–1989 79 years, 169 days 1989–1994 Jos Brebsom LSAP 23 March 1913 76 years, 117 days 1994–1999 Édouard Juncker CSV 30 July 1921 72 years, 353 days 1999–2004 Jean Spautz CSV 9 September 1930 68 years, 286 days

## Malaysia

Further information: [Seniority in the Parliament of Malaysia](/source/Seniority_in_the_Parliament_of_Malaysia)

In Malaysia, the term "Father of the House" is rarely used. However, [Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah](/source/Tengku_Razaleigh_Hamzah), who was elected in 1974, was the previous longest-serving MP in the [Dewan Rakyat](/source/Dewan_Rakyat). He was also the oldest MP between 2008 and 2018 (then-age 81), when former prime minister Tun Dr. [Mahathir Mohamad](/source/Mahathir_Mohamad) was reelected to the Dewan Rakyat at the age of 92. Both of them ended their long tenures in the Dewan Rakyat after being defeated in [2022 Malaysian general election](/source/2022_Malaysian_general_election).

Since 2022, [Tan Kok Wai](/source/Tan_Kok_Wai) is now the "Father of the House", having served as MP continuously since 1986, firstly for Sungai Besi (1986–1995) and now Cheras (1995–present).

## New Zealand

Main article: [Father of the House (New Zealand)](/source/Father_of_the_House_(New_Zealand))

In New Zealand, the terms "Father of the House" and "Mother of the House", as unofficial titles, designate the longest-continuously serving male or female MP of the [House of Representatives](/source/House_of_Representatives_of_New_Zealand), respectively. The Father and Mother of the House have no official role in Parliament. The current Father of the House is [Gerry Brownlee](/source/Gerry_Brownlee) who has served continuously since [1996](/source/1996_New_Zealand_general_election). The current Mother of the House is [Judith Collins](/source/Judith_Collins) who has served continuously since [2002](/source/2002_New_Zealand_general_election).[31]

## Norway

Member Born Entered parliament Became oldest member Morten Kolbjørnsen 1958 2025 2025[32]

## Poland

Main article: [Senior Marshal](/source/Senior_Marshal)

Following a general election, the eldest member of each of the lower ([Sejm](/source/Sejm)) and upper ([Senate](/source/Senate_(Poland))) houses of the Polish parliament is given the honorary post of Senior Marshal until the new permanent leaders of the houses, the [Marshal of the Sejm](/source/Marshal_of_the_Sejm) and the [Marshal of the Senate](/source/Marshal_of_the_Senate), are elected in a vote by their respective members. This normally takes place as the first item on the agenda at the first session, over which the Senior Marshal presides. Most recently, the title of Senior Marshal was bestowed on [Marek Sawicki](/source/Marek_Sawicki), member of the X Sejm, and [Michał Seweryński](/source/Micha%C5%82_Sewery%C5%84ski), senator of the XI Senate. Both assumed their roles on 13 November 2023, following the formation of the new parliament as a result of the [15 October general election](/source/2023_Polish_parliamentary_election).

## Russia

Traditionally when a new Russian parliament is formed the eldest deputy opens and manages the first session until a [chairman](/source/Chairman_of_the_State_Duma) is elected. In the history of the post-Soviet Dumas these were:

Elected Name Constituency Party Age when elected 1993 Georgy Lukava Federal list LDPR 68 1995 Grigory Galaziy Federal list NDR 73 1999 Yegor Ligachyov Tomsk CPRF 79 2003 Valentin Varennikov Federal list Rodina 79 2007 Zhores Alferov Federal list CPRF 77 2011 Vladimir Dolgikh Federal list United Russia 86 2016 Zhores Alferov Federal list CPRF 86 2021 Vladimir Resin[a] Federal list United Russia 85

## Serbia

In the [National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia](/source/National_Assembly_(Serbia)), the oldest MP serves as the Acting Speaker presiding over the constitutive session, before the Speaker is elected.

- 2001: [Zaharije Trnavčević](/source/Zaharije_Trnav%C4%8Devi%C4%87) — [Democratic Party](/source/Democratic_Party_(Serbia))

- 2004: Velimir Simonović — [Democratic Party of Serbia](/source/Democratic_Party_of_Serbia)

- 2007: [Borka Vučić](/source/Borka_Vu%C4%8Di%C4%87) — [Socialist Party of Serbia](/source/Socialist_Party_of_Serbia)

- 2008: [Jovan Krkobabić](/source/Jovan_Krkobabi%C4%87) — [Party of United Pensioners of Serbia](/source/Party_of_United_Pensioners_of_Serbia)

- 2012: [Zaharije Trnavčević](/source/Zaharije_Trnav%C4%8Devi%C4%87) — [Rich Serbia](/source/Rich_Serbia)

- 2014: Milan Korać — [Party of United Pensioners of Serbia](/source/Party_of_United_Pensioners_of_Serbia)

- 2016: [Dragoljub Mićunović](/source/Dragoljub_Mi%C4%87unovi%C4%87) — [Democratic Party](/source/Democratic_Party_(Serbia))

- 2020: [Smilja Tišma](/source/Smilja_Ti%C5%A1ma) — [Independent](/source/Independent_politician)

- 2022: [Vladeta Janković](/source/Vladeta_Jankovi%C4%87) — [Independent](/source/Independent_politician)

- 2024: [Stojan Radenović](/source/Stojan_Radenovi%C4%87) — [Independent](/source/Independent_politician)

## Singapore

Until his death on 23 March 2015, former prime minister [Lee Kuan Yew](/source/Lee_Kuan_Yew) was the longest-serving member of Parliament ([Tanjong Pagar](/source/Tanjong_Pagar_Group_Representation_Constituency)) and thus the Father of the House.[33] As of April 2015[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Father_of_the_House&action=edit), emeritus senior minister and former prime minister [Goh Chok Tong](/source/Goh_Chok_Tong) later became Father of the House, as the longest-serving MP ([Marine Parade](/source/Marine_Parade_Group_Representation_Constituency)).[33] Upon Goh's retirement in 2020, [Senior Minister](/source/Senior_Minister_of_Singapore) and former prime minister [Lee Hsien Loong](/source/Lee_Hsien_Loong), is Father of the House being the longest-serving MP ([Ang Mo Kio](/source/Ang_Mo_Kio_Group_Representation_Constituency)) having served since 1984.

## Sweden

In Sweden, the *[Riksdagsordningen](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Riksdagsordningen&action=edit&redlink=1) [[sv](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riksdagsordningen)]* law states that the member of the [Riksdag](/source/Riksdag) who has held their elected seat for the longest shall be the *Ålderspresident* which translates to *President by age*. The *Ålderspresident* acts as speaker of the Riksdag after each election, before the [Speaker of the Riksdag](/source/Speaker_of_the_Riksdag) has been elected. The *Ålderspresident* also acts as speaker in case of hindrance on behalf of the Speaker and all three Deputy Speakers.

Members of the Riksdag who has held the position of Ålderspresident since the abolition of bicameralism:

- [Tage Erlander](/source/Tage_Erlander) (first elected 1932) 1971–1973

- [Torsten Nilsson](/source/Torsten_Nilsson) (first elected 1941) 1973–1976

- [Henry Allard](/source/Henry_Allard) (first elected 1945) 1976–1979

- [Gunnar Sträng](/source/Gunnar_Str%C3%A4ng) (first elected 1946) 1979–1985

- [Ingemund Bengtsson](/source/Ingemund_Bengtsson) (first elected 1951) 1985–1988

- [Stig Alemyr](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stig_Alemyr&action=edit&redlink=1) [[sv](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stig_Alemyr)] (first elected 1957) 1988–1994

- [Ingvar Carlsson](/source/Ingvar_Carlsson) (first elected 1965) 1994–1996

- [Börje Nilsson](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=B%C3%B6rje_Nilsson_(politician)&action=edit&redlink=1) [[sv](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6rje_Nilsson_(politiker))] (first elected 1965) 1996–1998

- [Jan Bergqvist](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jan_Bergqvist&action=edit&redlink=1) [[sv](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Bergqvist)] (first elected 1969) 1998–2002

- [Anders Björck](/source/Anders_Bj%C3%B6rck) (first elected 1969) 2002–2003

- [Bo Lundgren](/source/Bo_Lundgren) (first elected 1976) 2003–2004

- [Lennart Nilsson](/source/Lennart_Nilsson_(politician)) (first elected 1976) 2004–2006

- [Per Westerberg](/source/Per_Westerberg) (first elected 1979) 2006–2014

- [Göran Hägglund](/source/G%C3%B6ran_H%C3%A4gglund) (first elected 1991) 2014–2015

- [Krister Örnfjäder](/source/Krister_%C3%96rnfj%C3%A4der) (first elected 1993) 2015–2018

- [Beatrice Ask](/source/Beatrice_Ask) (first elected 1988) 2018–2019

- [Tuve Skånberg](/source/Tuve_Sk%C3%A5nberg) (first elected 1991) 2020–2022

- [Carina Ohlsson](/source/Carina_Ohlsson) (first elected 1998) 2022

- [Karin Enström](/source/Karin_Enstr%C3%B6m) (first elected 1998) 2022

- [Tomas Eneroth](/source/Tomas_Eneroth) (first elected 1994) 2022–2025

- [Anders Ygeman](/source/Anders_Ygeman) (first elected 1996) 2025–[34]

## Ukraine

According to article 82 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the oldest deputy opens the first session of each new convocation of the [Verkhovna Rada](/source/Verkhovna_Rada). The deputy also reads aloud the oath. As the constitution was adopted in 1996, the rule was first applied to the opening of the third convocation.[35]

Convocation Elected Name Party Age when elected Left Parliament III 1998 Slava Stetsko KUN 77 2003 † IV 2002 Slava Stetsko KUN 81 V 2006 Ivan Gerasymov KPU 84 2008 † VI 2007 Ivan Gerasymov KPU 86 VII 2012 Yukhym Zvyahilsky Party of Regions 79 2019 VIII 2014 Yukhym Zvyahilsky Party of Regions 81 IX 2019 Yuliy Ioffe Opposition Platform — For Life 78 PZZhM

## United States

In the United States, the title "Father" of the House (although used for about a century starting in 1816)[36] does not exist, but in the lower house, the [House of Representatives](/source/United_States_House_of_Representatives) the position known as [Dean of the House](/source/Dean_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives) is almost exactly the same position—that is, it is a largely ceremonial position bestowed on the member with the longest continuous service. Much like the Father of the British House of Commons, the Dean's only formal role relates to the installation of the Speaker, though in the American case it is to swear the newly elected speaker in rather than preside over the election. Less similar is the position in the [Senate](/source/United_States_Senate) (the upper house) known as [President Pro Tempore](/source/President_Pro_Tempore_of_the_United_States_Senate), the holder of which has since 1945 gained the position through seniority, but who also must be a member of the party holding a majority in the Senate.

Since March 2022, with the death of [Don Young](/source/Don_Young), the Dean of the House has been [Hal Rogers](/source/Hal_Rogers), who was elected to the House of Representatives in 1980 and began serving in 1981.

## See also

- [Oldest Member (European Parliament)](/source/Oldest_Member_(European_Parliament))

- [Baby of the House](/source/Baby_of_the_House)

- [Dean of the House (Canada)](/source/Dean_of_the_House_(Canada))

- [Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives](/source/Dean_of_the_U.S._House_of_Representatives)

- [Father of the Dáil](/source/Father_of_the_D%C3%A1il)

- [List of longest-serving members of the Australian House of Representatives](/source/List_of_longest-serving_members_of_the_Australian_House_of_Representatives)

- [President pro tempore of the United States Senate](/source/President_pro_tempore_of_the_United_States_Senate)

- [Senior Marshal](/source/Senior_Marshal) (Poland)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tereshkova_33-0)** Even though Resin was the oldest member of 8th State Duma, the first session was opened by [Valentina Tereshkova](/source/Valentina_Tereshkova), who was 1 year younger than Resin and also a member of United Russia.

## References

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-hciom3_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-hciom3_2-1) [House of Commons Information Office](/source/House_of_Commons_Information_Office) (November 2006) [2005]. ["The Father of the House"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090325142809/http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/m03.pdf) (PDF). *[UK Parliament](/source/Parliament_of_the_United_Kingdom)*. Factsheet M3 Members Series. Archived from [the original](http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/m03.pdf) (PDF) on 25 March 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [House of Commons Information Office](/source/House_of_Commons_Information_Office) (June 2010). ["The Father of the House"](https://www.parliament.uk/globalassets/documents/commons-information-office/m03.pdf) (PDF). *[UK Parliament](/source/Parliament_of_the_United_Kingdom)*. Factsheet M3 Members Series FS No.M3 Ed 3.6. p. 4. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0144-4689](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0144-4689). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201108085421/https://www.parliament.uk/globalassets/documents/commons-information-office/m03.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2024.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Richards may face ethics panel"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/813138.stm). *BBC News*. 30 June 2000. Retrieved 4 August 2024.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Dalgety, Susan (8 May 2021). ["Will a more female Holyrood make a difference to women's lives?"](https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/will-a-more-female-holyrood-make-a-difference-to-women-s-lives/). *The Spectator*. Retrieved 4 August 2024.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-abc_19-0)** Green, Antony (20 March 2018). ["Who will be the Father of the House when Philip Ruddock Retires?"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-10/who-will-be-the-father-of-the-house-when-philip-ruddock-retires/9388744). *ABC News*. Retrieved 14 December 2019.

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pressrun.net_34-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pressrun.net_34-1) ["Pressrun.net"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084010/http://www.pressrun.net/weblog/2011/03/singapores-veteran-mps.html). *www.pressrun.net*. Archived from [the original](http://www.pressrun.net/weblog/2011/03/singapores-veteran-mps.html) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Han blir riksdagens nya ålderspresident - Altinget"](https://www.altinget.se/rikspolitik/namn/han-blir-riksdagens-nya-aalderspresident). *www.altinget.se*. 12 March 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["Перше засідання Ради відкриє нардеп з партії Бойка-Рабіновича"](https://www.chesno.org/post/3483/). *Chesno* (in Ukrainian). 23 July 2019. Retrieved 24 November 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** ["Fathers/Deans of the House"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221207234351/https://history.house.gov/Institution/Seniority/Deans-of-the-House/). Archived from [the original](https://history.house.gov/Institution/Seniority/Deans-of-the-House) on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2023.

## External links

- [Father of the House: House of Commons Background Paper](http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN06399), House of Commons Library, 2016

Authority control databases GND

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Father of the House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_of_the_House) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_of_the_House?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.