Bercow pushes for job of Speaker
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Independent Minds
The Conservative backbencher John Bercow has stepped up his campaign to replace Michael Martin as Speaker of the House of Commons, emailing all 646 MPs to ask for their support and outline his "vision for the role".
In a seven-page document, Mr Bercow sets out his credentials, saying: "I have a track record of political independence, pursue unfashionable but important causes on a non-partisan basis, and can demonstrate competence in chairing and communicating."
Mr Bercow goes on to explain that the next Speaker "faces an unprecedented challenge... to clean up politics". He addresses the expenses scandal with the insistence that Parliament should "accept external advice on a new allowances system"; advocates an "enhanced scrutiny both of policy and of legislation" by backbenchers; and says that the role of Speaker should be one of an "ambassador" – "both a speaker and a listener".
After two Labour Speakers, it is thought that the next Speaker will be a Tory, but while Mr Bercow has wide support among Labour MPs, he is unpopular within his own party. Michael Martin will leave his post on 21 June and his replacement will be chosen in a secret ballot the next day.
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Comments
He is certainly of independent mind, and has shown himself to be flexible in his thinking. I have followed his progress as an MP and watched him become that most unusual of beasts, namely an MP who actually thinks outside the Party doctrines and political strictures of Toryism.
This, to me anyway, means he has got the intellect to reposition his thoughts as a true neutral. He has also got a decent track record of standing up on unfashionable issues, which to me indicates he has the strength required. However as there is probably little political capital to be made from his appointment I dare say he will be an also-ran as an approved name will take the chair instead of the person who could do the job the best.