Which MPs could take up the tights?
Updated on 19 May 2009
Following the resignation of Speaker Michael Martin, Channel 4 News online lists those tipped to replace him.
MPs will be looking for a speaker who somehow connects with the public, who is more of a communicator, who is squeaky clean on expenses and has some sort of track record as a moderniser.
The problem is whoever one side of the House of Commons loves the other side tends to hate.
Below are the bookies favourites to take over, according to Ladbrokes.
Frank Field
Former Labour minister who recently received acclaim for his stance against the 10p tax plans. Has led calls for wholesale reform of the Commons.
Sir Alan Haselhurst
Conservative MP and deputy speaker. Widely-respected figure who also served as deputy to former Speaker Betty Boothroyd. Reports of a £12,000 claim for gardening bills will not have helped his cause though.
Sir George Young
Tory grandee and widely-respected chairman of the standards and privileges committee. He stood for the role in 2000 when Michael Martin was elected.
John Bercow
Backbench Tory MP. Former right winger, who has moved towards the centre in recent years and is thought to have the backing of several Labour MPs for the Speaker's job.
Ann Widdecombe
Tory MP is an outspoken supporter of traditional values and is apparently interested in the job.
John Heppell
Labour MP used to knocking politicians into shape after his time in the Whips Office.
Glenda Jackson
Labour MP whose acting background might provide suitable training for the theatre of Prime Ministers’ Questions.
Dr Richard Taylor
Independent MP in the Commons.
Sir Menzies Campbell
Former Liberal Democrat leader. Respected for his integrity on all sides of the house and was one of the favourites to land the job last time. Chances may be hampered by criticism of his second home allowance claim.
Vince Cable
Well-known figure with the public who would also be respected on all sides of the house. May wish to stick with the Lib Dem Treasury brief with which he has made his name.
Ken Clarke
Shadow business secretary and former chancellor. May not want to give up chance to serve in government, if Tories win the next election.
Richard Shepherd
Independent-minded Tory MP, more than 30 years experience. Has led criticism of Speaker Martin. Has stood for the job before.
Sir Patrick Cormack
Tory backbencher who was in the running for the job last time. Expert on constitutional affairs.
Sylvia Heal
Labour MP and deputy speaker.
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. Has already said he will stand.
Sir Michael Lord
Tory MP and second deputy chairman of the Commons.
Tony Wright
Labour MP made his name as the chair of the public administration select committee, holding public spending to account.
David Davis
Tory MP and now civil rights campaigner; ruled himself out of the running yesterday, but stranger things have happened.
