Call for secret vote on Speaker is vetoed

A ROW has broken out in the Commons after parliamentary authorities refused to allow MPs a secret ballot on whether John Bercow should remain Speaker.

The move appears to have halted attempts by some Tory MPs to kick out Mr Bercow, who is deeply disliked by some in his former party. Ex-Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell has been linked with the role of Speaker.

However, the vote on whether Mr Bercow should continue will be carried out in the traditional parliamentary way, with MPs voting publicly.

A source close to the right-wing Conservative Cornerstone Group claimed democracy was being undermined.