ByJennifer Lipman, Jennifer Lipman
Conservative MP Lee Scott is preparing to make a speech in parliament next year – but he will be doing so in his capacity as father of the bride.
Mr Scott, who has represented Ilford North since 2005, has been granted permission by Speaker John Bercow to host his daughter's wedding at Westminster in summer 2013.
Mr Scott has been to several Christian weddings at Westminster, but has found evidence of only one other Jewish ceremony taking place there.
Weather permitting, his daughter Rachel, a teacher, and her fiancé Ben Jay, will have their chuppah outside, overlooking the Thames, in a ceremony conducted by Ilford Chabad rabbi Aryeh Sufrin.
The dinner and party afterwards, kosher catered for about 150 guests with traditional simchah dancing, will take place in the Commons banqueting hall (at the Scotts' expense).
Mr Scott said: "I think it's one of the greatest honours in the world to be an MP and to be able to hold the chuppah at Westminster is very special. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity."