Election of Speaker

Peter Tapsell Excerpts

Tuesday 18th May 2010 Commons Chamber

[Sir Peter Tapsell (in the Chair)]

Under the terms of Standing Order No. 1A, I am now required to ascertain whether Mr John Bercow is willing to be chosen as Speaker. I call Mr John Bercow.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Sir Peter. May I ask a procedural question? This is an extremely important time for this House and for its democratic future. We are in the process of electing a Speaker without having the opportunity of understanding or hearing what his views are on the long-term future of this House. May I therefore ask what safeguards are in place should the Speaker decide to change the constitution of our country, either to consolidate or indeed to stabilise the Opposition or his position? What are the criteria required to support any such moves, for example, the 55% provision that the Government wish to embrace—it is thereby known as the Mugabe question?

[Sir Peter Tapsell (in the Chair)]

The hon. Gentleman has made his point and I am sure that it will have been heard, but it is not a point of order for me to deal with under the Standing Orders. The House will have other opportunities to debate these matters.