Sir Ming stays silent on reports he'll be next Speaker

Published on Friday 9 January 2009 20:57

SIR Menzies Campbell last night refused to be drawn on speculation that MPs are rallying round him to become the next Speaker.

The former Liberal Democrat leader has been tipped for the Commons' most senior post by Labour and Lib Dem MPs.

Vince Cable, the Lib Dems' economy spokesman, fuelled the speculation by saying he would support his candidacy. Sir Menzies declined to comment on the reports.

However, another Lib Dem source said: "Ming would make a fantastic speaker; he has the right temperament for it and would enjoy the job. But he may wish to hang on and see whether he can take a ministerial post in a coalition government."

However, a Conservative Party source made it clear that the Tories wanted to put forward their own candidate.

Michael Martin, the current Speaker, has waded into controversy over the arrest of the senior Tory Damian Green and the search of his Commons office.

Mr Martin is expected to announce he is standing down from his post before the next election.