Janet Morris



The Honourable Janet Kathleen Morris (b. 1943) is a Georgeland politician who was Speaker of the Georgeland House of Commons from 1997 until 2003, when she resigned to become leader of the Georgeland Union Party, a position she relinquished in 2005 after she lost her seat at the 2005 election.

Elected to Parliament as a United Islands Labour Party MP in 1980 to represent the seat of Keegan, in Doubledance, Morris became known as a campaigner for social justice and equality, as well as for a sardonic wit and sense of humour. She was also known for her staunchly pro-trade union stance. An active member of Labour's left-wing faction, Morris was a committed Socialist.

In 1997, Morris became Speaker. She was elected unopposed by her colleagues.

In 1999, Morris did not exit the party following the split over Anthony McDonald's challenge to Campbell Rhodes and remained a Labour member. She was re-elected as Speaker in the new Parliament, becoming the first Speaker not to come from one of the major parties. She was subsequently re-elected as Speaker in 2001 and 2002.

In 2004, with the disintegration of the Labour Party, Morris formed the Union Party and resigned from the Speakership. Despite being a popular figure and a tireless advocate for trade unions, in 2005 Morris was defeated for re-election.

Morris is considered by many politicians and press gallery staff to have been a very fine Speaker. Her wit and humour was always appreciated by both sides of the House, and her approach to the role has been contrasted with the stern, dour approach favoured by Andrew Hindle, her successor.

Some consider Morris a potential candidate in the Georgeland Presidential election, 2008. Morris has dismissed any notion of her running for President.