The race to replace Martin: Contenders for Speaker

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said ousted Speaker Michael Martin has an "outstanding" record of service as those looking to replace him square up. Mr Martin announced he is stepping down as Speaker and as an MP on June 21 following unprecedented criticism over his handling of the expenses scandal. At the start of Commons question time, Mr Brown said: "There will be a further opportunity to acknowledge your contribution and achievements in this House. "But let me say briefly, on behalf of all Members of the House, your record of service to this House and to this country has been outstanding over 30 years and you have shown unfailing personal kindness to all Members on all sides of this House." MPs cheered the Prime Minister's tribute, which came just a day after Mr Martin announced that he was to quit next month over the scandal which has engulfed Westminster in recent weeks. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, who broke convention by calling for the Speaker to quit, praised the "dignity" of Mr Martin's statement. Mr Martin's replacement will be elected by the 646 MPs in the House of Commons the day after he steps down on June 21. The runners looking to replace Commons Speaker Michael Martin are beginning to square up. All the candidates must be nominated by at least 12 MPs, with at least three of those coming from a different party from the candidate. The position is not a partisan one, and the speaker is expected to be fully impartial. The names in the hat for the Conservatives include Sir George Young, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Richard Shepherd, Sir Patrick Cormack and John Bercow. Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell is also in the running despite being heckled at Question Time when he tried to explain his expenses claim for an interior designer, which he has agreed to pay back. And for Labour there is Frank Field - a reform-minded, independent thinker, but he is not universally popular among his party's MPs. The new speaker will take over a position steeped in history and entrusted with the running of the House of Commons. The speaker keeps order during debates, decides which lawmakers are called on to speak and represents the chamber in discussions with Queen Elizabeth II and the House of Lords.

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ITN | May 20, 2009

Tags:. .unfailing. .partisan. .engulfed. .impartial. .ousted