If Beckett is elected it will be a sad day.

Well, we're now in the final furlong to elect a new Speaker of the House.

If, as the Bookies are predicting, Margaret Beckett is elected it shall be sad day for the back-benches and, in my opinion, Parliament at large.

The government lap-dog shall face a crisis in public opinion unprecedented in recent political history. Expect one of the most controversial speakers' elections of modern times. If she can muster the support of more than 50% of the House, then I strongly doubt she'll be the person to drive support through for greater reform.

For my money, I'd personally like to see Alan Haselhurst elected. YouTube him, he seems a sound choice!