After being elected as the Speaker of the House of Commons, does the person retain their role as an MP?

Okay, so the Speaker of the House of Commons is a really important role, but it's crucial to understand that becoming Speaker doesn't mean completely abandoning their previous position as a Member of Parliament. Think of it like this: the Speaker is *chosen* from among the existing MPs. The House of Commons elects one of its own to take on this impartial role. Once elected, the Speaker remains an MP for their constituency, representing the people who voted for them. However, they take on a new responsibility of presiding over debates and ensuring parliamentary rules are followed. They don't suddenly become disconnected from the people they initially represented. It's a balancing act, maintaining their link to their constituents while fulfilling their duties as an impartial Speaker. They are still accountable to their constituents and can be voted out at a general election, just like any other MP. This system ensures that the Speaker is not completely detached from the political process and remains connected to the electorate.