Father of the House
Proper noun
Meaning
A title bestowed on a legislative house member, particularly one where the legislature is called a "House".
The member of a legislative house who has served the longest collective time in office.
The member of a legislative house who has served the longest current continuous period.
The member of a legislative house who is the oldest.
Source: en.wiktionary.orgExamples
Though he is the Father of the House as longest-serving federal MP, Andrews has assured his branch members he still has plenty to do.
Australia main In Australia, the current member of the House of Representatives with the longest period of continuous service, whether a Minister or not, is known as "Father of the House".
It is used simply as the female alternative to Father of the House, being applied when the relevant member is a woman.
Malaysia In Malaysia the term "Father of the House" is rarely used.
McMahon became Joint Father of the House of Representatives with Clyde Cameron in 1977, and sole Father in 1980 when Cameron retired.
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was simultaneously Father of the House and Prime Minister from May 1907 until shortly before his death (when he was still Father of the House) in April 1908.