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15/06/2009
Speaker Race Continues
Ten MPs contesting the office of Commons Speaker have debated their personal merits for the first time today.
Earlier Labour's Frank Field dropped out of the running, leaving the eight men and two women to battle it out.
An election 'husting' was organised this afternoon by political research charity, the Hansard Society.
In addition to the televised event, all ten hopefuls will later publish a manifesto, and launch individual campaigns.
Prominent former Labour minister Margaret Beckett talked of her success and experience in the House, and pledged to deal with parliament's "considerable problems".
Tory MP and media personality Anne Widdecombe said the office needs someone with the "vulgar attributes" that can connect with the public.
In addition to Ms Widdecombe, other Conservatives who have thrown their hats in to the ring include Sir Michael Lord, Sir George Young, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Sir Patrick Cormack, John Bercow and Richard Shepherd.
Labour's Parmjit Dhanda, who, if successful, would become the Commons' first Asian speaker, is another in the running.
Liberal Democrat Sir Alan Beith will also seek election.
(PR/JM)
Earlier Labour's Frank Field dropped out of the running, leaving the eight men and two women to battle it out.
An election 'husting' was organised this afternoon by political research charity, the Hansard Society.
In addition to the televised event, all ten hopefuls will later publish a manifesto, and launch individual campaigns.
Prominent former Labour minister Margaret Beckett talked of her success and experience in the House, and pledged to deal with parliament's "considerable problems".
Tory MP and media personality Anne Widdecombe said the office needs someone with the "vulgar attributes" that can connect with the public.
In addition to Ms Widdecombe, other Conservatives who have thrown their hats in to the ring include Sir Michael Lord, Sir George Young, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Sir Patrick Cormack, John Bercow and Richard Shepherd.
Labour's Parmjit Dhanda, who, if successful, would become the Commons' first Asian speaker, is another in the running.
Liberal Democrat Sir Alan Beith will also seek election.
(PR/JM)
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22 June 2009
Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election
MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips. It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett. Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.
Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election
MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips. It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett. Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.
11 June 2009
Widdecombe's 'Hat In The Ring' For Speaker Job
Several high profile political name have announced their intentions to run for Commons speaker. Among them Tory MP Anne Widdecombe, who has pledged to "clean up the place".
Widdecombe's 'Hat In The Ring' For Speaker Job
Several high profile political name have announced their intentions to run for Commons speaker. Among them Tory MP Anne Widdecombe, who has pledged to "clean up the place".
02 July 2009
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
14 November 2011
Alan Keen MP Dies After Cancer Battle
The Labour MP, Alan Keen, has died after a battle with cancer, it was been announced on Monday. The 73-year-old MP for Feltham in west London was known for his passion for football, having acted as a scout for Middlesbrough before entering politics.
Alan Keen MP Dies After Cancer Battle
The Labour MP, Alan Keen, has died after a battle with cancer, it was been announced on Monday. The 73-year-old MP for Feltham in west London was known for his passion for football, having acted as a scout for Middlesbrough before entering politics.
18 October 2012
Row Escalates Over Disclosure Of MPs Property Lettings
The publication of material, which could show ministers are renting their taxpayer-funded homes to each other, is being blocked by MPs, it has been claimed. IPSA, the external regulator, which took over responsibility for MPs' expenses in 2010, is due to release routine details of expenses claims on Thursday.
Row Escalates Over Disclosure Of MPs Property Lettings
The publication of material, which could show ministers are renting their taxpayer-funded homes to each other, is being blocked by MPs, it has been claimed. IPSA, the external regulator, which took over responsibility for MPs' expenses in 2010, is due to release routine details of expenses claims on Thursday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
