Bollitics: Speaker Elections 2009

[Gringo]

JOHN BERCOW

Backbench Tory MP. Former right winger, who has moved towards the centre in recent years. Thought to have the backing of many Labour MPs for the Speaker's job but may not be popular enough with his own side to stand a chance, although bookmakers Ladbrokes has him at 3/1 land the job. Says the next Speaker must be a "robust advocate of democratic politics" and that he would get out into the country to promote and explain "in a non-partisan" the role of Parliament and the work MPs do, as well as listening to the public's concerns.

John Bercow: 'Speaker needs to be an ambassador'

From hang mandella to ardent blairite. Spiv, dodgy, creepy, slimy. Had to repay £6,500 in XPs scam. Labour love him for his simpering over the past 10 years and his colleagues in the tory party despise him. Not the best choice to act as voice of all

SIR ALAN BEITH

Veteran Lib Dem MP, with more than 30 years' experience. Former party leadership contender. Chairman of the constitutional affairs committee. Respected figure who was in the running for the job in 2000. Says the job of Speaker should be to "lead on reform" rather than defend the status quo and to strengthen MPs' ability to challenge the government. But asked if the new Speaker had to be "whiter than white", he joked: "Nobody is whiter than white." He said he had once claimed twice for the same television licence but immediately sent off a cheque when he realised his mistake.

Sir Alan Beith: 'Need to be committed to reform'

:yawn:

MARGARET BECKETT

First female foreign secretary who briefly led the Labour Party after John Smith's death and before the election of Tony Blair, Margaret Beckett is certainly not short of experience. Her late entry into the race to be Speaker came after she reportedly quit the government after asking to be given a full time cabinet seat as housing minister. She said she wanted to help Parliament deal with its "considerable problems". Not untouched by the expenses furore but commands respect on all sides of the House. Mrs Beckett was named the 2/1 favourite by bookies Ladbrokes on the eve of the poll.

Margaret Beckett: 'The House needs a healing Speaker'

Another one at the front of the expenses fiddles, claiming for all sorts of garden furniture and repairs "Strictly in the lines of her duty as an MP"

PARMJIT DHANDA

By his own admission not an "obvious choice" for the role of Speaker, Labour's Mr Dhanda says that as one of the few Asian MPs in the House he was spurred into action by the BNP winning seats in the European Parliament. The former fire services minister and MP for Gloucester plans to stand on an agenda of reforming Parliament, including holding debates outside the chamber in provincial towns and cities. Has said he wants to make Parliament "less macho" and improve facilities for MPs with children.

Parmjit Dhanda: 'The Speaker should champion parliament'

Quiet union boy. Won't win but deserves a good look at

SIR MICHAEL LORD

The Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Sir Michael Lord stood for the Speakership when Betty Boothroyd won the post. He said: "I have got strong support, and I am very serious about the contest."

Sir Michael Lord: 'We should make a fresh start'

Claimed £5k for grass cutting, £17k for food. Perfectly placed to reform the system? Shouldn't still be in a job never mind looking for promotion

SIR PATRICK CORMACK

Veteran Tory backbencher who was in the running for the job last time. Chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Says he would bring "a robust impartiality" to the role. Expert on constitutional affairs but may be seen as too much of a traditionalist to lead changes demanded by most MPs.

Sir Patrick Cormack: 'It would be the greatest honour'

You would think he'd be a safe pair of hands - but when he accidentally claims allowances on both his first and second home, the benefit of the doubt diminishes

ANN WIDDECOMBE

Former shadow home secretary and one of the best-known and most widely respected members of the Commons. Plans to stand down at next general election and has ruled out becoming a permanent replacement for Michael Martin. But is attracting support from colleagues as a possible interim Speaker.

Standing down in June - so just a 12 month window in which to effect change and without fear of the party leaders undermining her *Gringo's Star Choice

SIR GEORGE YOUNG -STANDING

Conservative grandee and widely-respected chairman of the Standards and Privileges Committee. One of the bookmakers' favourites to land the job of Speaker after missing out in 2000. But Eton-educated background may count against him in the eyes of Labour MPs. Ladbrokes makes him 3/1.

Sir George Young: 'We must unite behind the Speaker'

So he used to help run the old system and was partially responsible for the departure of Chris Kelly's predecessor who was beginning to get MPs to toe the line.

SIR ALAN HASELHURST

Conservative MP and deputy speaker. Widely-respected figure who also served as deputy to former Speaker Betty Boothroyd. Another favourite at the bookmakers but being singled out by The Daily Telegraph for claiming £142,119 in second homes allowances since 2001, despite having no mortgage on the property, will not help his chances.

Sir Alan Haselhurst: 'We are in for a period of change'

Another one with a very expensive garden - £12k worth of XPs. Probably the tory choice.

RICHARD SHEPHERD

Independent-minded veteran Tory MP, first elected in 1979. Has led criticism of Speaker Martin. Stood unsuccessfully for the Speakership in October 2000. Ladbrokes makes him 14/1.

With Doris, the cleanest hands when it comes to dodgy expenses claims. Too honest for this house.

[The_Rev]

Anne Widdecombe. Same reasons as you really Gringo. Somebody needs to clean up Parliament, and if that somebody is a person who isnt trying to be a career politician and doesnt need to stay on the good side of the house then its a good thing. She would be great for a year or so, then another new one after the general election.

[bickster]

Margaret Becket, just to show that sod all has changed, surprised she never claimed a second home allowance for her caravan

[Awol]

Anne Widdecombe. Same reasons as you really Gringo. Somebody needs to clean up Parliament, and if that somebody is a person who isnt trying to be a career politician and doesnt need to stay on the good side of the house then its a good thing. She would be great for a year or so, then another new one after the general election.

Exactly what I was going to post. A 'matron' type figure who will publically humiliate them all when they start shouting at each other. It's like gobbing off at the ref, if you know he'll punish you because you've seen him do it before then you're more likely to behave and try to avoid acting like a tit. IMO she is exactly what is needed.

Rumour is the Labour whips are trying to foist Margret 'expenses' Beckett on the Chair. Not only is she a mental pygmy but she's also another one who has been on the take.

They've obviously learned nothing from the last few weeks...

[myb]

Beckett is as corrupt as any. Would be a great leader of that lot.

[Croatian]

Not one of those bastards inspires any confidence whatsoever.

Edit: Wish I could be more constructive. The glass aint half empty. It's bone feckin' dry.

[drat01]

Rumour is the Labour whips are trying to foist Margret 'expenses' Beckett on the Chair. Not only is she a mental pygmy but she's also another one who has been on the take.

Beckett is as corrupt as any. Would be a great leader of that lot.

JOHN BERCOW 3/1

Age: 46 Tory Backbench MP

For: Young, moderniser, liked by Labour.

Against: Hated by many Tories. Too pompous.

Expenses: Twice claimed for an accountant to complete his tax returns at £480 each time.

MARGARET BECKETT 2/1

Age: 66

Labour Former Foreign Secretary

For: Respected, independent and experienced.

Against: Third Labour candidate in a row.

Expenses: Allegedly claimed almost £11,000 in gardening expenses, including £1,380 for plants.

AND THE OTHER CONTENDERS . .

SIR GEORGE YOUNG 3/1

Age: 67

Tory Former Transport Secretary

For: Old school gent.

Against: Very old school (Eton) gent.

Expenses: Paid £152 for a camcorder to post videos on website.

SIR ALAN BEITH 10/1

Age: 66

Lib Dem Chairs justice committee.

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For: Straight down the middle. Not Labour or Tory.

Against: Has all the charisma of a retirement resort on a wet afternoon... in the middle of January.

Expenses: Had a claim for a Union flag "rope and toggle" rejected.

ANN WIDDECOMBE 10/1

Age: 61

Tory Former prisons minister

For: Well-known, doesn't suffer fools.

Against: Comes across as a bit batty.

Expenses: Spent more than £9,000 of taxpayers' money on a newspaper cuttings service.

SIR ALAN HASELHURST 14/1

Age: 71

Tory Deputy Speaker

For: Has proved excellent deputy Speaker.

Against: Is tainted by the expenses scandal.

Expenses: Has paid back more than £15,000 which he claimed for gardening.

SIR MICHAEL LORD 50/1

Age: 70

Tory Deputy speaker

For: Dull but decent

Against: Decent but dull

Expenses: Claimed £82 for recordings of a Parliamentary debate which he took part in.

RICHARD SHEPHERD 40/1

Age: 66

Tory Former "Parliamentarian of the Year"

For: Loves Parliament and defends rights of MPs.

Against: Has a reputation as a cry-baby.

Expenses: Has paid back £162 claimed for cleaning and gardening.

PARMIJIT DHANHA 33/1

Age: 37

Labour Former Communities minister

For: Young moderniser

Against: Nobody has ever heard of him

Expenses: Has paid back £349 for a sofa bed.

SIR PATRICK CORMACK 33/1

Age: 70

Tory Backbench MP and bigwig.

For: A grandee but independently minded for all that.

Against: Insufferably pompous, even for an oldschool Tory.

Expenses: Claimed for both main and constituency home. Denies any wrongdoing.

There has to be a consistency surely of indignation?

[Gringo]

And your choice would be?

And how does the daily mirror list offer anything that wasn't already covered - unless you're trying to make a specific point, which if you are I can't see what it should be.

[mjmooney]

Beith or Danda, don't mind which.

[drat01]

And your choice would be?

And how does the daily mirror list offer anything that wasn't already covered - unless you're trying to make a specific point, which if you are I can't see what it should be.

Read the post eh? while some are following the "official" right wing media line and making one candidate the issue with expenses, the info is out there for all to see that each of them were subject to questionable claims. So the "name calling" adds what, or is it only one person's posts should be questioned? Hmmmmm what does that remind me of?

And just like the actual vote, my choice was done in secret .......

[snowychap]

Who would I choose?

Either Dhanda or Shepherd (though Widdecombe would be acceptable for the reasons Gringo gave).

Not a fan of some of the suggestions made by Mr Dhanda (about exclusive shortlists for example) but, other than that, he would be an indication that they were looking for new blood and a new direction (and that they were ignoring party interests and negative voting).

Richard Shepherd would be an equally good signal being one of the pioneers of FOI, though I think the debating chanber might lose something if he were not to be giving any further speeches.

As for all the rest: Beckett, Bercow, Beith, Hazelhurst - same old, same old. Would really indicate that they are not listening at all.

how does the daily mirror list

That's where it was from, was it?

[Awol]

There has to be a consistency surely of indignation?

I'm afraid you have missed the point somewhat.

The government have been attempting to stitch up what is supposed to be a free vote. It's not indignation abour Beckett in particular - although she is (imo) the least capable and most stooge like of the candidates on that list.

[Gringo]

And how does the daily mirror list offer anything that wasn't already covered - unless you're trying to make a specific point, which if you are I can't see what it should be.

Read the post eh?

Sorry - if the point was a bit clearer the question wouldn't have need asking

while some are following the "official" right wing media line and making one candidate the issue with expenses, the info is out there for all to see that each of them were subject to questionable claims.

And most of those claims were already listed in the opening post - so by cutting and pasting a load of stuff without making your point explicit, your point seems to have got lost, adding to the confusion.

And your choice would be?

And just like the actual vote, my choice was done in secret .......

And just like the actual vote, will your preference be whipped?

[Jondaken]

Can't we get one of the guys from Have I Got News For You?

[mjmooney]

Is Marcel Marceau still alive?

[Santa_Rosa]

Is Marcel Marceau still alive?

Not sure. Last time I saw him he appeared to be trapped in a glass box, but he may well now be in a wooden one.

[Awol]

Dhanda's speech was abysmal, I'm surprised anyone even voted for him to be an MP.

[Gringo]

Well whoever the MPs choose they will have been shown to have chosen a smarmy member lacking of spine.

On to the 3rd vote, only bercow and young still in the ballot.

You had a chance to demonstrate some level of honesty and desire to change. You failed.

BIAD.

[tonyh29]

Can't we get one of the guys from Have I Got News For You?

or maybe follow their theme and have a different one each week

Starting with Rolf Harris

I went for Ann Widdecombe always thought she was pretty straight forward and honest

If it's done on votes then I would expect a Labour backed candidate to win it though as they do (until the next election :-) ) have the majority

[Gringo]

As it's now just bercow vs young I can't see more than a handful of labour votes going against the new speaker and one who we are now stuck with for a good few terms, someone who once supported 'hang mandela' (no not you this time tony)

Unless of course we BIAD.