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Ann Widdecombe today joined the race to be Speaker, saying she wanted to "clean up the place".
The former prisons minister, 61, joins a crowded field of grandees and reformers hoping to succeed outgoing Michael Martin in 10 days.
Sir Menzies Campbell, the former Liberal Democrat MP, launched his campaign today by calling for the Queen's Speech to be renamed "the Prime Minister's Speech".
The field is led by Conservative MP John Bercow, 46, bidding to be the youngest Speaker, who has published a manifesto of Commons reform.
He said his priority would be to repair the "ridicule, contempt and scorn" felt towards MPs since the expenses scandal: "The next Speaker must resolve the crisis by driving the process of renewal."
Former housing minister Margaret Beckett is challenging him to become the bookies' favourite after stepping into the race last night.
Mrs Beckett is seen by many as the "dark horse" to win. Several big bets placed on her just before she announced her candidature saw her odds drop from 40-1 to 7-2.
Former welfare minister Frank Field is slipping out of the race after his call for Gordon Brown to quit infuriated some Labour MPs.
Mr Martin was ousted by MPs following the expenses scandal last month and steps down on 21 June. A secret ballot will be used for the first time to elect his successor a day later.
Other candidates include ex-minister Parmjit Dhanda, Tory grandee Sir Patrick Cormack, Tory Sir Michael Lord and Liberal Democrat Sir Alan Beith.
Reader views (50)
Do we have to have weirdos in all of the top positions of government?
Thatcher, Major, Blair, Brown, Prescott, Harperson...
Let's have some sound, sensible, grounded people for a change.
- Brenda Blessed, Plymouth, England
If you think of past Speakers, most did the job pretty well, such as Betty Boothroyd, Bernard Wetherill and Lord Ton-y-Pandy; they raised themselves as the job required above the level of party politics.
We are only having this debate because "Gorbals" Mick has brought the position into disrepute. He has been a disaster, often siding unfairly with the government by his conduct towards the Opposition, whose interests he is supposed to protect, let alone his role or conduct in the so-called expenses scandal.
People may not like Anne Widdicombe or her views. The only relevant question is can she do the job? In my view, I see no reason why she cannot. Similarly, it might be time to give the role to Alan Beith. What I do know, and this is not a reflection on what has recently passed, is that it ought not to go to a member of the ruling Labour party after two of the previous Speakers were from there, and I'm sure if you asked the distinguished and illustrious Betty Boothroyd, she'd probably agree.
- Steven Dale, London, England
Get in there Anne and give them hell.
- Richard Edmunds, Rayleigh Essex
Why do we need a speaker at all in the House of Commons, they have nothing to say worth hearing.
Bring back duelling at dawn; that stops most arguments, and with half of them dead it will save taxes.
- Mickyinlondon, london
NO
- Martin, London
Surely the principal quality required of a speaker is the ability to speak, when all than Anne Widdecombe can do is make a trumpet-like hooting noise.
- Alistair, Bromley, UK
She voted against releasing MPs expenses to the public.
Why would you want anyone who did that.
- James, London UK
COME ON DORIS KARLOF YOU WOULD SCARE THE FUR OF A RAT GET IN THERE AND CLEAN THAT PUTERID PIT OF CONMEN UP ALTHOUGH I THINK THIS BENT PARLIAMENT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED ALONG WITH OUR CORUPT SYSTEMS AND OUR MADE UP AS WE GO ALONG CONSTITUTION. ITS NOTHING SHORT OF A SHAM WE EVEN MAKE MUGABE LOOK NOW SO MUCH FOR DEMOCRACY THE LAUGHING POLICEMANS VOICE COME TO MY EARS, LOL LOL LOL ,
- James Fennessey, london
Fantastic! Go for it Ann.
- Crystalclear, london
yes she is the best. now the bent scotsman is out its time for a strong force to frighten all those corrupt lazy schoolboys and spank them into shape to actually do what the tax payer pays them to do
- Mark Armstrong, london. uk
She comes across as a woman of integrity and common sense. Whats been missing from parliament for many years?
She would not have to shout order, order, order too often. The naughty boys would soon learn and those PMs that think they are pin-up would have to get in line. Heehee
- Mike, London
She couldn't be any worse than that Scottish geezer.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire
she certainly has all the qualifications for the gig; a corrosive voice that strips paint; the attitude and temperament of Hattie Jacques as the stern matron in many 50's & 60's medical comedies and strict discipline that will please many tie and tease m.p's.
whiplash widecombe rides rough shod over the greedy and corrupt with something of the night to induce nightmares
in all that dare to cross her frosty and withering gaze.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk
Oh, gor blimey! When she sends the boys to the naughty corner they certainly won't get that frisson of excitement they got from Betty Boothroyd!
- Janet, London, UK
The speaker has too much power. Perhaps we should have one person nominated from each party then draw lots for which one gets which sitting. MP's cast vote away idiots if they fail to run debates in an impartial manner
- Geri, London
She would be the ideal one for the post, she wouldn`t stand no nonsense and would be very fair minded to all concerned. Lets hear it for Anne.
- Sandra, London
Let us have Anne, I hope she makes it.
- Trisha Crawford, EAST CROYDON
Better by far than the duplicitous little Bercow.
- Steve, Brentford
IF Goofy is going to be the next speaker we shall take to the streets.
- Alex., brighton
I think she would absolutely fantastic, go for it Anne. She is bright, intelligent, fair and principled.
- James Ritchie, Oyster Bay Cove, NY
Widdy would be the perfect choice. I'll watch the parliament channel just to see her!!
- Mrs, London UK
Oh dear God help us.
- Tasha, London
I believe Anne Widdecombe would be the overwhelming choice of the electorate, and if Gordon Brown is serious about re-buildong confidence in Parliament, listening to the public and cleaning up the Commons, he will "do whatever it takes" (a p;hrase very close to his mouth!!) to ensure that his MP#'s do not (mischieviously) vote for John Bercow
- Malcolm, London
This woman is a mad old bag. if anyone saw her simpering virginal schoolgirl act when she converted to catholicism, because the CofE wasn't right wing enough for her, they wouldn't let her in parliament let alone as speaker.
- Kerry Trubee, Purley
Instead of this she should spend her time cleaning up her beloved Catholic Church. If there's any institution more corrupt, malicious and backward than Parliament it's Benedict's Barmy Army!
- Steve, London
Eat your heart out BIG BROTHER, if Ann becomes speaker, you are in the shade! Today in Parliament will become a daily must-see. Go on, give our democarcy a heart transplant - bring on Speaker Widdy!
- Maria, London
Gives new meaning to the powers in the wig!
Widdecombe could never reinforce the majesty of the house, it would become a game show. The speakers role has already become undermined and degraded due to the Brown effect. Give it to man of honour who is respected by all parties,
- Ge, Kernow
Excellent, bring her on instantly.
- Squiz, Islington
Whoever gets the job is on a nice little earner until they retire as getting re-elected at Gen elections is a shoe-in as the other parties never put up candidates to stand against them. Good bye to democracy for the constituents!
- Mark, South-East London
One scary woman. Perfect to whip that lot into shape.
- Richard, Adelaide, Australia
Which wig would she wear?
- Bloke, London
Has anyone noticed the type of people who are candidates, all have a handle to their names so they might have vested interests. Time to end the old school tie era and appoint an ordinary person to positions like this.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
There used to be a time, before New Labour's sleazey corruption took root, that the role of Speaker was 'rotated' so that after a Labour candidate (usually under a Tory government) there was a Tory (usually under a Labour Government). This was when there was still honour at Westminster. Now we have had a succession of Labour Speakers, the last one being catastrophic. Time for someone Lib-Dem or Tory, but please, no more Labour candidates for a while. I don't particularly like Ann Widdecome, but I think she would do a good job as Speaker and would at least know her job which is more than Martin ever did.
- Stephen Rothbart, Prague Czech Republic
The so called "Speaker" should be appointed by an independent committee to act as a moderator and referee and have no political party interests.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
Is she going to handcuff naughty MPs to their benches as she practised handcuffing pregnant prisoners to their hospital beds?
- Martin London, London
Dear Ann would be absolutely perfect for the job,she is honest and a very astute clever lady.But there is one big problem,the MP's have to vote her in and they are all dishonest.It would be voting for a reduction in "earnings" and a life style like the rank and file.
- G.Diamond, Romford Essex
Yes yes yes, Ms. Widdicombe would be brilliant in every respect.
- Maggi Nixon, London
Anne Widdicombe - a mixture of an old fashioned dragon of a Matron and Head Girl of a posh school? Ideal! Just what the sleazy wasters need to keep them in order. Unfortunately they'd probably enjoy it. Matron!!
- Charlie, London
Anne Widdicombe. yes please, we need someone to keep order and restore our faith in parliament anne would be perfect for this job .
- Jennifer, Basingstoke England
I thought we had seen the last of this interfering, patronising old busybody.
- Sarah, London
Lord preserve us!
- Robert Turner, Corsham UK
Anne Widdicombe would be brilliant - I do hope she is selected.
- Ab, London
The woman is deluded and her bid to become Speaker confirms it.
- Adrian, London
Frank Field is one of the few honourable people left in Westminister. I still think Kate howey would be the ironic twist given what happen with M&M
- Gary, Brentwood 2
Margaret Beckett's arrogance is staggering. An MP who fiddled her own expenses is hardly likely to "clean up the system" if appointed speaker of the house. The speaker is required to be honest and of utmost integrity - qualities lacking in Beckett.
- R.F., Yorks, UK
A darned good choice, go on Anne, give 'em hell.
- Bob, Cheam
She would be PERFECT. We Want Widdy!
- Ken, Bexleyheath.
Oh no she isn't! The Speakers Contest is becoming a bit of a pantomime. Save us all the bother and elect the Lib Dem financial spokesman, whats his name?
- Dhan Raj, basildon
Oh yes definately. She'd make a great Speaker in the HoC.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
My first reaction was AARGH, but then I heard Margaret Beckett was also standing - STOP BECKETT, ANYONE BUT BECKETT!!!
- Sarah, Surrey
