... is not a Government post.
This may seem like a pedantic point, but the independence of the House of Commons (whose presiding officer is the Speaker) from the Government is a central tenet of the British Constitution.
The Speaker is elected by MPs, from among their own ranks, at the start of each Parliament (i.e. after a General Election) – or following the death of an incumbent.
Unlike the presiding officers of legislatures in many other countries, the Speaker remains strictly non–partisan, and renounces all affiliation with his or her former political party when taking office – and also when leaving the office. The Speaker does not take part in debate, and doesn't vote – except to break ties; and even then, the convention is that the speaker votes in such a way as to allow further debate, and if this is not possible he or she votes in favour of the status quo.
© Macclesfield Quiz League 2017