The Speaker of the House

The Speaker is chosen from the community and by election of Legislative Assembly and is appointed for the term of a council (4 years). Re-appointment to the role is possible. The first Speaker was appointed in 2002. The primary function of the Speaker is to preside over Legislative Assembly meetings, a role previously undertaken by HE The Governor.

The current Speaker, Keith Biles JP, was a member of the overseas staff of a major international British bank for 25 years, living and working in many parts of the world. He arrived in the Falkland Islands in 1995 to take up the appointment as manager of the local branch of the bank, and retired from that position in 2002. He is active in many roles within the voluntary sector in the Islands and his wife, the Rev. Kathy Biles, is the Associate Minister of Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley. Keith was first elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in February 2009.