How did they all do? Marks out of 10 are for the speech - not the chances of success:

(2.30pm)

Margaret Beckett: 5/10

Thin gruel from the Labour former minister and bookies’ favourite. Admits that public confidence in the Commons is lost and says she will “facilitate desired change”. Agrees that an independent financial regulator (for MPs) would be a good idea…but the “devil is in the detail”.

No-nonsense style. Says she has chaired lots of committees and bodies. “I have never been afraid to speak truth to power, wherever power been found. I have always been my own woman.” Points out that the Speaker has historically always been from the ruling party: Betty Boothroyd was the exception to the rule. A bit humourless.

Sir George Young: 8/10

Tory grandee points out that he has relevant experience as chair of the Standards and Privileges Committee. That proves his independence and strength of mind. Gives backbenchers reassurance by indicating that he won’t join the “bidding war to be tough” on MPs. Points out that many innocent members, “those who did no wrong”, were “caught in the backlash” of the expenses scandal. Has a good line comparing the financial crisis with the political crisis: both now need “recapitalisation”.

Says he wants to tilt power back from the executive to Parliament. Calls for: more “brisk” Parliamentary debates; cut back on pointless opposition day debates; call MPs by relevant experience rather than seniority; let chairs of select committees announce their reports in the chamber.

Ann Widdecombe: 6/10

A well-received speech, despite the unfortunate vocal delivery. Says she will only be an interim Speaker, retiring at the next general election. Her purpose would be to oversee rapid reform and restoring public faith in the Commons. Wouldn’t spend her whole time parading up and down in the country in TV studios, she assures the House. But admits in so many words that her main selling point is public popularity. Makes the serious point that legislation is not sufficiently scrutinised in the House.

Alan Beith: 4/10

Surprisingly dry. The Lib Dem repeats the point about more examination of legislation is needed. Wants to strengthen the select committe system. Rebalance PMQs in favour of backbenchers. Make the House more family-friendly and diversity-friendly. Not much fire in his belly, it would appear.

John Bercow: 7/10

They said you either love him or hate the 46-year old and now we see why. Unctious, full of himself, but not totally lacking in charm or chutzpah. Repeats the conversation with an ageing Tory colleague (Sir Peter Tapsell, by any chance?) who said he wasn’t old enough to stand. Cites 18th century Speakers, Grenville and Addington, aged 29 and 32 apiece. Talks a lot about “reform”, “renewal”, “change”. MPs will like the sound of this. Or at least know that the public will like it; which is the same thing. Claims to be the “clean break candidate” - while saying that MPs are neither corrupt nor crooked. Then ends with a thud with a dreadful gag about being a little chap facing an enormous challenge. Eeogh.

Richard Shepherd: 6/10

Sincere, heartfelt but not likely to carry the bulk of MPs with him. Reminds MPs that they are not the government and their job is to hold the executive in check. Cites his entirely credible credentials to be Speaker. Wants to allow MPs to vote for select committee chairmen. Says time is running out to save the Commons’ reputation.

Sir Michael Lord: 4/10

The bookies’ dark horse at about 50:1. Says that even the press don’t really believe that MPs entered the Commons to make money out of their expenses. Bemoans the “sad and introspective” mood which has befallen Parliament since the expenses scandal broke. Attacks the fact that policy is announced on TV studios and newspaper front pages - rather than in the House.

Sir Patrick Cormack: 7/10

The grandees’ grandee. Solemn and patrician. Has a “passionate belief in democracy”. Quotes Voltaire, re disagreeing with you but defending your right to say it to the death. “I submit myself to the will of the house”. Claims to be a “servant” of the people - or something similar. Says today is the anniversary of the death of Machiavelli; not sure what relevance this has.

(3.30pm)

Sir Alan Haselhurst 4/10

Another dry stick. Currently deputy Speaker and it shows. Talk of Commons as “birthplace of democracy” will soothe MPs’ ears. Points out, interestingly, that media expectations of the role of the Speaker have run ahead of themselves (become “unrealistic”. Believes he can do the job well. Ideas include letting MPs put forward private members’ motions.

Parmjit Dhanda 8/10

Says it would be the “safe choice” to pick a knight of the realm or another member of the great and the good. “Do they speak the language of modern Britain? Will we be thanked for our choice tomorrow”, he says. Warns that MPs have underestimated the strength of feeling in the country. Wants a more “deferential” Parliament. And to give more power to local people. Wants to be a “driver” rather than a “dictator” to make the House more representative of the real world.

“All of the 10 (candidates) is capable of doing the job but…..do we all really get it?” he asks. “Do we understand the level of crisis out there. Do we understand the level of public’s anger.” Arguably the only non-patrician candidate today. Will his speech swing it?

June 22, 2009 3:26pm in Banks | Comment