Labour MP Clive Lewis Swears Allegiance to King Charles After Correcting Oath

Labour MP Clive Lewis, representing Norwich South, has undergone a second swearing-in ceremony at the House of Commons after initially failing to use the correct wording in his oath last week.

During the swearing-in process, MPs are required to pledge allegiance to the Crown, specifically to ‘King Charles‘s heirs and successors.’ Despite his opposition to the monarchy, Mr. Lewis initially deviated from the prescribed script, prompting concerns over the validity of his affirmation.

Expressing his stance against the monarchy, Lewis’s first pledge included a statement under protest, highlighting his hope for a future republic. However, the House of Commons Journal Office alerted him to the necessary inclusion of ‘heirs and successors’ to ensure the affirmation’s legal validity.

Subsequently, Lewis returned for a second swearing-in session, emphasizing his commitment to democracy and human rights, while complying with the required oath to King Charles and his successors.

Following the corrected affirmation, Lewis reiterated his advocacy for a democratic oath that aligns with the values of constituents and democracy, indicating a desire for change in the traditional swearing-in process.

Notably, other prominent figures like Jeremy Corbyn, Seamus Logan, Sinn Fein, SDLP, Plaid Cymru members, and Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty have also been part of recent oath-related discussions and ceremonies in the House of Commons.