MPs prepare to elect a new Speaker
- 00:02:31
- ITN
MPs prepare to elect a new Speaker
MPs will elect a new Speaker of the Commons amid claims that party whips are plotting against each other to install their own candidates. Former foreign secretary Margaret Beckett is tipped as frontrunner after Conservative MP John Bercow, previously the hot favourite, appeared to lose ground. Labour whips were accused of promoting Mrs Beckett while Tories were said to be manoeuvring behind Sir George Young, the Tory chairman of the Standards and Privileges Committee. But the combination of complicated election procedures and a secret ballot could yet throw up a surprise winner from the ten-strong field. The winner will have to restore trust and confidence in Parliament in the wake of the expenses scandal. The ballot takes place against the backdrop of criminal inquiries by the Metropolitan Police into a number of MPs' expenses claims. Michael Martin, Speaker since 2000, has now officially vacated the position after being forced out by MPs angry at his handling of the crisis. Mrs Beckett could also prove controversial with the public if elected as his replacement. She would be the third Labour Speaker in succession and, having served as a minister for most of the past 12 years, is close to the Government. The Derby South MP was also heavily barracked by a Question Time audience recently over her stance towards the expenses row and faces continued questions over her own claims. The Sunday Telegraph claimed she spent £10,969 of taxpayers' money on gardening bills, despite earlier dismissing a similar smaller claim as a "mistake". Mr Bercow was previously expected to win support from Labour MPs who accept it is the turn of a Tory to be Speaker and see him as the least worst option. But Labour backbencher Stephen Pound said there was a last-minute push by the whips in support of Mrs Beckett. "It isn't on," he complained. "If any of the whips are out there are listening, stop doing it. We know what you're doing, you're going round touting Margaret Beckett." Meanwhile, Tories who are supporting Sir George are thought to be deeply suspicious of Mr Bercow's bid because of his perceived friendliness towards Labour.
ITN | June 22, 2009
