“a position of monumental impartiality”
In a discussion on Hearts and Minds tonight Kevin Maguire avoided, mostly, betraying any bias, but didn’t name his preferred successor to Michael Martin as Speaker of the House of Commons [no names, no pack drill - Ed]. Simon Hoggart on the goodbye – “everyone felt good, except a few observers who looked distinctly nauseous.” Speculation elsewhere suggests that Labour MP Margaret Beckett may be emerging as the bookies’ favourite.. Now that “All the conventions are now finished..” And Nick Robinson talked to an un-named “leading Tory” at the hustings – he pinched his nose, looked pained and remarked “It’ll have to be Ma Beckett”. Other confirmed candidates here.
Install George Galloway or Dennis Skinner as Speaker.
Thankfully, Lurig, we’re not in a dictatorship..
“Kevin Maguire avoided, mostly, betraying any bias, but didn’t name his preferred successor to Michael Martin as Speaker”
Here’s a little bit of that Maguire prophetic insight from his blog in February 2008:
The Commons carrying on as normal is part of the problem, the depth of public contempt over expenses and alleged fiddle not appreciated by some MPs, though I guess a number of the cheers for Martin were ironic.
I’d put my 50p on Martin remaining Speaker until just before or after the general election, talk of a coup to oust him sounding like hot air.