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Conservative MP John Bercow Faces Ouster if Tories Win General Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Conservative MP John Bercow is facing the possibility of being overthrown as the next speaker of the House of Commons if the Tories win the general election. Senior Tories have expressed their discontent with Bercow's candidacy, citing his move to the left and his association with the Labour party. Bercow's campaign is being run by Labour backbencher Martin Salter, which has further infuriated Conservative MPs. The election for the next speaker is scheduled for next week, and all MPs will have a free vote by secret ballot.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 100 Labour MPs have indicated their support for Bercow, with his campaign being run by Labour backbencher Martin Salter.
  • Conservative MPs are considering removing Bercow as speaker if they win the general election, citing his move to the left and his association with the Labour party.
  • The Tories plan to challenge Bercow's candidacy by pointing out his past statements on secret ballots and his voting record on the issue.
  • Other candidates for the speaker position include Margaret Beckett, Sir Alan Haselhurst, and Parmjit Dhanda, who will run on a platform of reforming parliamentary culture and rejecting candidates connected to the expenses scandal.
  • The Labour whips have been accused of encouraging their MPs to vote for Bercow in revenge for the Tories' role in the fall of Michael Martin.
  • Conservative MPs are holding a series of hustings to discuss the candidates, with the first event being held by the Hansard Society today.

Statistics:

  • 11 candidates are running for the position of speaker.
  • At least 100 Labour MPs have indicated their support for Bercow.
  • Candidates need a minimum of 12 supporters, and a maximum of 15, of whom three must come from another party.
  • Bercow's campaign is being largely funded by Labour MPs, with Conservative MPs planning to demand that he disclose the list of his supporters.
  • The Labour whips have accused the Tories of trying to "stuff" them by taking down Michael Martin as speaker.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • Nicholas Watt
  • ToHelm John Bercow
  • Martin Salter
  • Sally Illman
  • Gordon Brown
  • Michael Martin
  • Nick Clegg
  • Hansard Society
  • Newsnight

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