22/06/2009

Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election

MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips.

It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett.

Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.

Ten MPs are contesting the office, including Conservative and media personality Ann Widdecombe and Mr Bercow, who has expressed support from Schools Secretary Ed Balls.

Also in the running are Lib Dem Sir Alan Beith, Tories Sir Patrick Cormack, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Sir Michael Lord, Richard Shepherd, Sir George Young and Labour MP Parmjit Dhanda.

A secret ballot will decide the winner. The ballot will take place during a series of rounds, after which the candidates receiving the lowest votes will be eliminated.

The first candidate to achieve more than 50% of the votes cast will be named Speaker.

Ballot results are expected to be announced throughout this afternoon.

(PR/JM)

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