Earlier this week, Richard took the oath of allegiance to the Crown, also known as 'swearing in'. Members of Parliament can either swear in using a religious text or take a non-religious, solemn affirmation, which they do before taking their seats in Parliament after a general election.
Commenting, Richard Fuller MP said:
It is a cornerstone of our enduring constitutional monarchy that newly elected Members of Parliament swear an oath to the Crown whilst holding the bible, as in my case, or the equivalent as chosen by the individual Member.
I take this act very seriously and feel it underpins the principles of service, honesty and integrity that every MP should embrace.
During the election campaign there was a strong sense of disillusionment with politicians of all parties, that we had lost that bond of trust with our constituents. This is something I very much hope can be restored in the coming months and years.
All MPs will undertake the oath with the best of intentions and I hope the desired standards of conduct persist long after the precise words of the oath have been forgotten.
Oaths of allegiance to the Crown are common in British public life and are similar to a declaration of loyalty to the state. Members of both Houses of Parliament are required by law to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown. MPs cannot take their seat, speak in debates or vote until taking the oath or affirmation.
Richard's swearing in can be watched at: https://youtu.be/iF6FtIQVZG0?si=wgz9XZomVn0RPAEw
