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Conservative MPs say they will vote for Beckett to stop Bercow becoming Speaker
Joe Murphy, Political Editor15 Jun 2009
The battle for a new Speaker heated up today when Tory MPs indicated they would stand behind Margaret Beckett to stop frontrunner John Bercow.
In the latest twist, senior Tories said they would rather put up with a third Labour Speaker in succession than endure the election of a fellow-Conservative who has been a thorn in David Cameron's side.
One told the Evening Standard: "We would prefer a respected and experienced figure like Margaret Beckett to someone who is young and untested, regardless of what party they belong to.
"Labour think it would be a great joke to foist upon us a Tory who is not backed by his own side, but in fact the job of Speaker is too important to be left to party games."
Another Conservative MP said: "Bercow would struggle to get more than two Tory votes. He's nice enough but the way he keeps greasing up to Labour ministers is just ghastly."
Mr Bercow, the Buckingham MP, is the bookies' favourite and considered the frontrunner among most MPs. But the "Stop Bercow" campaign by Conservatives could upset the odds.
The MP was long-rumoured to be on the brink of defecting to Labour and upset his own side by becoming an adviser to the Government.
There were also reports that if he wins, senior Tories could oust him after the general election. Sitting Speaker's are endorsed by a new Parliament - usually a formality.
A vote could be triggered by backbenchers simply shouting that they object.
Almost a dozen candidates to succeed ousted Michael Martin were today taking part in the hustings for the job. A secret ballot will be held for the first time to choose the winner in a week.
Former minister Ann Widdecombe yesterday claimed Labour whips were ordering their MPs to back Mr Bercow. "I think the whips should stay out of this," she said. "This is a House of Commons matter."
The post of Speaker comes with a £144,520 salary, an apartment overlooking the Thames and generous pension. But the holder will be expected to restore public trust in Parliament after the expenses scandals.
All candidates need at least three supporters from another party to stand. Tories want Mr Bercow to publish his list of supporters, believing it would expose him as lacking cross-party backing. But, because the final ballot is secret, it will be impossible to prove where the winner drew support.
Frank Field, the Labour ex-minister who is popular with Tories indicated he will pull out unless more Labour MPs offer him support.
THE FRONTRUNNERS
John Bercow - Conservative
Odds: Evens (Fav)
Form: Once in the ultra-Right-wing Monday Club, he became a Portillista and now infuriates Tories by cuddling up to Labour bigwigs, especially Harriet Harman.
Backing: At least 100 Labour MPs. Only two Tories are backing him.
Margaret Beckett - Labour
Odds: 5-1
Form: The first woman Foreign Secretary who, uniquely, was sacked twice by Gordon Brown. Bags of experience but only just out of government.
Backing: Labour whips and, tacitly, No 10 are said to be warm. So are several Tories opposed to Bercow.
Ann Widdecombe - Conservative
Odds: 5-1
Form: Maverick who would stand down at next election, letting parliament pick again.
Backing: Popular with the public and commands respect. But many MPs don't want a temporary Speaker.
Sir Alan Beith - Liberal Democrat
Odds: 8-1
Form: Respected veteran who would "lead on reform" rather than defend the status quo.
Backing: Needs Tory and Labour backers to stand a chance. Could pick up if frontrunners' votes split.
Sir George Young - Conservative
Odds: 10-1
Form: Tory grandee of the old school - sincere, genteel and respected. Chairs Standards and Privileges Committee, which critics say failed to stop political sleaze.
Backing: Strong among Tories but Labour are not keen on an Etonian.
Odds from Ladbrokes
Reader views (27)
Only Anne Widdicombe can sort out this mess and has the trust and respect of the public. If John Bercow becomes Speaker it will due to New Labour's spiteful bloc vote led by Gordon Brown. The public won't forget this at the next General Election.
- Simon Icke, Aston Clinton UK, 18/06/2009 19:29
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I don't believe Mrs Beckett is two-faced. If she were she wouldn't presumably wear the face we see today.
- Jb, London, 16/06/2009 10:12
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Seems everyone has forgotten the shredding of the DTI (Dept of Trade and Industry) by Beckett. Behind that mask there is a dangerous being just waiting to be unleashed again.
- Tony Islander, Herts, 16/06/2009 09:42
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Margaret Beckett will never restore trust in Parliament. Her expenses claims for hanging baskets - and her subsequent denials on Question Time of any fault on her part - make her a laughing stock in the eyes of the British people and attract scorn from observers from around the world.
- Stephen, weymouth uk, 15/06/2009 21:40
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How dare any one vote Beckett,she was fiddling...i believe the public should have a say and I .say Ann Widdecombe
- Jean Matthews, London England, 15/06/2009 18:00
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Beckett is useless ask the farmers whose money she lost because of her ineptitude.
- Rob, Rock Ferry Wirral, 15/06/2009 17:14
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An MP who fiddled her expenses is unlikely to want to "clean up the system" so this rules Beckett out. The speaker must be honest and of the utmost integrity which are qualities she is lacking in.
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 15/06/2009 14:44
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I'd go with B&W as a speaker. Maybe a set of Mordant Shorts or for heritage purposes a couple of Kefs would go down well. If they go for a 5.1 sound system then a decent sub will be required and lots of power.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 15/06/2009 14:23
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How can the Liebor MP's live with the fact that they nominate a Speaker, for spite, perhaps they realize they will not be in their places after the general election and don't care............ah that's it !
- Brian, Llandudno. North Wales. U.K., 15/06/2009 14:14
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Margaret Becket would make an excellent Speaker - especially if she is elected against the wishes of the Labour leadership.
- David Holland, London UK, 15/06/2009 13:45
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Is this the same Margaret Beckett that swanned round the world in private jets at the taxpayer's expense as Foreign Secretary, presided over the DEFRA fiasco re farm payments, appeared on Question Time to justify her claims for Parliamentary Expenses?
God help us!
- Rod Gray, Berwick upon Tweed, 15/06/2009 13:44
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It just goes to show how truly pathetic our politicians are! To them it is all a game, their behavior as in most things is contemptable, and, unprofessional! If they have not got it by now, they never will. Do they not realise that the public is heartily sick of them, and, their juvenile antics, and, consider them totally useless worthless members of society, the pits! If we ever needed proof of the fact that our political system is broken, and, beyond repair, this is though minor, a very good illustration!
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London., 15/06/2009 13:32
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Seems obvious to me that we need a caretaker speaker. Ann Widdecombe can do that job well. At the next election a lot of sleazy MPS will have been de-selected, or will be kicked out by their electorates. The next, new and cleaned-up, house of commons should then choose a speaker. Preferably, someone newly-elected. In my book, no-one who was associated in any way with the old sleazy mess should be put in charge of the new start!
- Nigel, London, 15/06/2009 13:30
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Why can't we have an Independent MP as Speaker?
Surely then there would be no bias towards any of the big parties - or am I being naive?
- Anil Chatterjee, Manchester, 15/06/2009 13:00
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We the British people and our demand for political integrity obviously count for nothing as our M.P.s are more interested in playing their political games. For Labopur to vote for Bercow just to spite the Tories and, for the Tories just to vote for Beckett to block them off is disgusting. We are getting no value for paying M.P.s salaries at all. They haven't got the message: they think the expenses issue hasblown over and they intend to carry on as usual.
- Janet, London, UK, 15/06/2009 12:33
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This lot are not exactly buzzing with creative pzazz and gravitas --are they?
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK, 15/06/2009 12:30
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It's got to be Bercow: he will really shake things up (Widdicombe's voice would drive me to drink)
- Alan, London, 15/06/2009 12:24
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I have been privileged to know Ann Widdecombe for many years. She would be an excellent Speaker. She is as honest, decent and principled as the day is long.
- Mary, London, 15/06/2009 12:23
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Should this be a matter for the House? Its our parliament they need to clean up.
We need a non political ex-judge, or a beat policeman or ex benefit inspector in the role!
- Sm, London, 15/06/2009 12:13
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The hypocrites continue to spout venom - instead of representing the interests of the electorate.
Party politics rules the day. ALL WHIPS SHOULD BE SACKED.
Joe Public counts for nothing.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 15/06/2009 11:57
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The low esteem the public have for MPs is further justified by the way MPs are approaching the election of a new Speaker. Instead of going for the quality necessary to make up for the awful standards set by Gorbal Mack, and to help regain some respect for the lower house, MPs are mulling around in the gutter. AS the EU is responsible for circa 85% of law making the House of Commons could be disbanded and we would not notice their absence. The tax payer would save serious money in the process.
- Ralph, London, England, 15/06/2009 11:45
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Does Margaret Beckett want some more money for pot plants then? Last month it was alleged that she had hung on to her ministerial car and driver long after she should have given them up. This woman has absolutely no idea why it was right for the previous speaker to resign. She would be a hopeless replacement. The Commons must stop playing politics. Anne Widdicombe would do fine until the Government falls. It will not be long.
- Ladywholunches, london, 15/06/2009 11:41
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Margaret Beckett, the woman who famously refused to pay back the expenses on Question Time, no way.
I say, Ann Widdecombe"
Why? Has Ann said she will pay hers back then ? I dont think so
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 15/06/2009 11:39
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Beckett for Speaker? Help! Send for the guys in white coats!
- Ted, London, 15/06/2009 11:37
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Margaret Beckett, the woman who famously refused to pay back the expenses on Question Time, no way.
I say, Ann Widdecombe
- Mario Kempe, london, 15/06/2009 11:01
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Talk about Tory loyalty. This threat is pure spite
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 15/06/2009 10:52
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What a waste of money, none of them offer anything
- Ge, Kernow, 15/06/2009 10:05
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