Labour MP Clive Lewis Must Retake Oath

Labour MP Clive Lewis had to retake his parliamentary oath after initially omitting the phrase 'his heirs and successors' in protest against pledging allegiance to the monarchy. Lewis, a known republican, hopes MPs can eventually swear allegiance based on democratic values rather than to the monarch. Parliamentary authorities warned him that his initial oath might disqualify him from speaking, voting, receiving his salary, or even retaining his seat due to the Parliamentary Oaths Act 1866. The Royalists, a pro-monarchy group, had filed a complaint that contributed to the requirement for him to retake the oath. Lewis's actions underscore ongoing debates about the role and necessity of the monarchy in modern British governance.