Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, is taking the unusual step of urging Commons Speakers who are thinking of retiring from office, to stand down towards the end of a Parliament rather than at a General Election.

This, he says, would allow MPs to assess the candidates for the vacancy and consider their respective merits.

The MP said: "When a Speaker stands down at a General Election the newly elected Parliament must elect a new Speaker as its first item of business.  In these circumstances, many newly elected MPs will have no first hand knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates and will, in effect, be voting blind.  That can't be good."

"The Speakership of the Commons is a hugely important and influential position.  It is right we get the best person for the job."

The Pendle MP organised hustings for candidates for Speaker when the previous Speaker, Betty Boothroyd, stood down in 2000.

Note to Editors

ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER

17.12.2008

Prentice, Gordon

That this House hopes a convention will be established which sees the election of the Speaker taking place towards the end of a Parliament when hon.  Members are well placed to assess the merits of the candidates and not the first item of business of a newly-elected Parliament.