Bercow faces re-election threat
By politics.co.uk staff
Speculation is growing that Commons Speaker John Bercow could face an embarrassing challenge from disgruntled Conservative backbenchers tomorrow.
The first action of the newly-formed parliament is the election of a Speaker, who after a general election is usually backed unopposed.
This process will take place tomorrow but, if a number of frustrated Tory MPs get their way, it may prove a longer process than is usually the case.
Only one MP needs to shout “object” for a formal vote to be triggered. This would result in a debate taking place which would be presided over by the Commons’ new Father of the House, 80-year-old Tory grandee Sir Peter Tapsell.
Mr Bercow was elected on the back of Labour support last year. Although formerly a Tory MP, his rapid political evolution from a firm right-winger to the centre ground alienated many within his party.
He beat Sir George Young, who is now the leader of the House in David Cameron’s shadow Cabinet, to the job.
Now plotting Tories are viewing former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell as a favourable alternative to Mr Bercow. Mid-Bedfordshire MP Nadine Dorries’ name has been associated with the plans to challenge the Speaker.
The Speaker is usually protected by ancient parliamentary conventions from political attacks. But the historic removal of Mr Bercow’s predecessor Michael Martin at the peak of public anger about the expenses scandal has undermined the role’s job security.
None of the main political parties fielded candidates against Mr Bercow in his Buckingham seat, however.
Ukip’s former leader Nigel Farage came third with 17 behind the Buckinghamshire Campaign for Democracy, which won 21% of votes cast. Mr Bercow took 47%, handing him a majority of over 12,500.
