I got to know Frank well during the abortion debate. I am also the person who persuaded him to blog :)

He is a man of huge integrity, decency and compassion. He is also well liked and respected by everyone. He may be a Labour MP, however, I am sure he is going to be my choice.

Frank Field for Speaker? Absolutely!!

Actually Nadine I think it would be a waste of Frank's talent to be speaker. I would really hope that when Dave forms the next government he would have the courage to appoint Frank as a minister to implement much needed welfare and benefit reforms. I met Frank on a train from London to Liverpool a few years ago and although obviously tired and under stress he was very gracious and talked to me for over an hour about these issue. A fine example of what a Member of parliament should be.

I hear that it won't be a Labour MP again - which is a great pity, as that rules out Field. I wondered about Jacqui Lait?

Seconded.

Sky News suggested that Ann Widicombe might stand as an interim Speaker until the next election, thus allowing the new parliament a free choice. That would be interesting!

No interims. Please. In good buisnesses HR draw up a "specification" for a post. The same should be done for The Speaker. What qualities does he/she need? Substance. Cross party appeal. Intelect. No skeletons. In the house 15 yrs plus. A passion for the Commons. An enthusiasm for reform, but not just for the sake of it or just window dressing. Compassion or ruthlessness to match the time. Humour or gravitas to match the occasion. Studious. Et al. Draw up your list then see who fits the spec, not the other way round!

I thought this was supposed to be a secret ballot.

I would like to see Frank Field get the post. Calm and sensible he would surely bring some respect to Westminster. He has always impressed me, although I have not agreed with some of his ideas. The reinstatement of Miss Filkin may also contribute to the rehabilitation of Westminster.

Fancy that, the Scousers all sticking together! Actually I thoroughly agree with your choice. I also once bumped into Mr Field on the train to Scouse-land and had a chat with him about anti-social behaviour since I had read his “Neighbours from Hell” book. Even 3 years ago, he said to me that there was a growing gulf between the political class and ordinary people. He got “It” even then. The only slight reservation is that he could never say anything else about welfare reform, which would be a shame. My second choice would be Kate Hoey, another serious person of total integrity. You can put up with the Dry Rot Divas and the Moat Merchants when there are a few people like Mr Field and Ms Hoey around.