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02/07/2009
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.
It is believed he has already approached party whips, who traditionally oversee appointments, regarding his proposals.
The shake-up could be in place following the summer recess, according to reports.
Usually the speaker and three deputies represent the proportion of political balance in the Commons.
Two of the current deputies, Conservative MPs Sir Alan Haselhurst and Sir Michael Lord, were beaten by Mr Bercow to the top chair. Labour deputy speaker Sylvia Heal did not stand.
Mr Bercow built his election campaign on promises to reform the Commons, following the resignation of his predecessor Michael Martin.
Mr Martin became the first speaker to step down in over 300 years, amid continued revelations over MPs' expenses claims.
The role of speaker is to control debates, deciding who addresses the House of Commons, and when. Deputies chair sessions when the speaker is not available.
(PR/JM)
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.
It is believed he has already approached party whips, who traditionally oversee appointments, regarding his proposals.
The shake-up could be in place following the summer recess, according to reports.
Usually the speaker and three deputies represent the proportion of political balance in the Commons.
Two of the current deputies, Conservative MPs Sir Alan Haselhurst and Sir Michael Lord, were beaten by Mr Bercow to the top chair. Labour deputy speaker Sylvia Heal did not stand.
Mr Bercow built his election campaign on promises to reform the Commons, following the resignation of his predecessor Michael Martin.
Mr Martin became the first speaker to step down in over 300 years, amid continued revelations over MPs' expenses claims.
The role of speaker is to control debates, deciding who addresses the House of Commons, and when. Deputies chair sessions when the speaker is not available.
(PR/JM)
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Cut Wesminster Summer Break: Bercow
Summer recess at Westminster should be cut, the Commons Speaker has said. John Bercow said he recognised voters' disbelief at the current 12 week break. MPs dissolve from Parliament between mid-July until October, but the Speaker said he believes this period is unnecessary.
24 May 2013
High Court Rules Sally Bercow's Lord McAlpine Tweet Libellous
The High Court has ruled that a tweet by Sally Bercow about Lord McAlpine was libellous. Mrs Bercow, the wife of the Commons Speaker, said she was "disappointed" by the ruling. The message was published on 4th November last year amid a Newsnight broadcast. She tweeted: “Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*.
High Court Rules Sally Bercow's Lord McAlpine Tweet Libellous
The High Court has ruled that a tweet by Sally Bercow about Lord McAlpine was libellous. Mrs Bercow, the wife of the Commons Speaker, said she was "disappointed" by the ruling. The message was published on 4th November last year amid a Newsnight broadcast. She tweeted: “Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*.
22 June 2009
Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election
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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.
12 May 2009
Hogg Denies 'Moat Cleaning' Expense Claims Reports
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14 September 2012
Speaker John Bercow Hangs On To Million Pound Pension
Commons Speaker John Bercow has said that he will keep his £1m pension when he retires at 65. He becomes one of the three "great offices of state" to keep a gold-plated pension.
Speaker John Bercow Hangs On To Million Pound Pension
Commons Speaker John Bercow has said that he will keep his £1m pension when he retires at 65. He becomes one of the three "great offices of state" to keep a gold-plated pension.
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