I have thought for some time Ann Widdecombe would make a good Speaker of the House of Commons. Although she is standing down at the next general election, I think the idea of someone with a no-nonsense attitude, who has not be tainted during the expenses scandal, becoming an interim Speaker is worth considering. I would have liked her to go to her constituency and tell them under the circumstances she would like to be re-adopted for her seat. I know this would have caused problems for the candidate who has already been selected, but in the current circumstances, it is justifiable. Also, Helen Grant could easily find herself a safe seat, with so many of them going begging at the moment, with the probability of more to come.
As Ann's retirement plans are well advanced, this senario is not going to happen. Below is a clip from Sky News, where she explains her reasons for throwing her hat into the ring.
5 comments:
She'd certainly add a bit of 'spark' to proceedings, but I'm not sure enough MPs will support her.
It's really a bit anomalous that the Speaker continues to represent any normal constituency, as it deprives their constituents of effective representation. In normal circumstances, it works by inertia, but Miss Widdecombe is in a particularly awkward situation.
It is very tempting to re-enfranchise Old Sarum or Dunwich or one of those other rotten boroughs to serve as the Speaker's constituency, with special rules of nomination by the House of Commons.
LFAT: I know she won't get the job, but it would have been fun with her in the Speaker's Chair.
James: The system seems to work. MPs in neighbouring constituencies take care of the casework, as far as I am aware. Most constituents are proud to have the Speaker as their MP.
Well, it certainly helps in logistical terms that Speakers have tended to hold relatively small seats since 1951, so the neighbours covering has been a practical solution. Sir Alan Beith's neighbours mightn't thank him were he to become Speaker.
But returning to Ann Widdecombe, maybe the secret ballot will favour her -- after all the usual reaction is that MPs won't publicly support her, but she'd be a fantastic Speaker.
On a less serious note, I'm inclined to hope that the Second Deputy Chairman of the Ways and Means becomes Speaker in hope of his eventual elevation to the peerage. ;-D
James: Point taken with regard to Alan Beith. Yes, Ann would make a great Speaker and the Noble Lord, Lord Lord, would be very amusing.
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