Melanie Phillips: the most important election in history, maybe

Piss myself laughing!

Consider. A new Speaker is necessary because of the astonishing revelations of endemic and institutionalised dishonesty over Parliamentary expenses.

For parliamentary read all MPs – Conservative ones as well as New Labour, LibDem etc. Though – I don’t know of a LibDem or New Labour MP that claimed for a moat or a Duck house, lest we forget.

But, more than anything – Mel really didn’t want Conservative MP John Bercow, because he may not follow the Conservative, read right-wing agenda.

As for John Bercow, his candidacy is a prime example of Westminster’s unparalleled cynicism, since most of his backing comes from Labour MPs whose sole purpose in electing him is to discomfit his fellow Tories who loathe the sight of him.

She wanted Ann Widdecombe.

Say no more.