A
novel idea for the election of the Speaker
Following the Parliamentary expenses scandal, 'transparency' and 'reform'
are two of the new buzz words doing the rounds in Westminster as not
just expenses but the entire machinery of Government now comes under
review.
If this is an
opportunity to overhaul the system for the better and make MPs more
accountable then why not allow any member of the public to apply
for the very job that is so pivotal in upholding the reputation
of Parliament?
It begs the
simple question: should the selection of Speaker be limited to the
pool of talent available in the House of Commons?
The job of Speaker
is, after all, to keep order during debates and ensure that the
rules of the House are obeyed without prejudice of passion to any
Party or indeed Government.
The Speaker
never actually participates in debates, never votes and, once selected,
stands unopposed in subsequent general elections. As he, in essence,
absolves himself of the normal duties of an MP, his actual duties
as Speaker don't require him to be an MP.
Experiences
of understanding the proceedings of the House is of course beneficial,
but there is an army of clerks to help advise and some of the big
occasions such as the Budget speech are chaired by the deputy speaker.
There are also responsibilities associated with the royal household,
but these could easily be taught in the same way that Black Rod
(an appointed position, where prior knowledge of Parliament is not
a pre-requisite) is expected to learn the ropes.
Although the
post dates back to 1376, it was only in the middle of the 19th century
that the holder was seen as impartial and not beholden to the Crown.
Impartiality to the Government of the day is a different matter
and many Prime Ministers have recognized the virtue of ensuring
the Speaker once carried the same Party membership card. Was it
not Tony Blair who denied the Conservative MPs 'their turn' by assuring
Michael Martin's election after Betty Boothroyd stood down?
The Speaker
is seen as the 'first commoner of the land', so why not allow all
commoners in the land to apply for the position? Any contender might
still require a dozen MPs to sign the nomination paper, and only
MPs would participate in the vote.
I can think
of a few people who have just the qualities to keep MPs in check
- who would be your choice to bring a breath of fresh air to Parliament?
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