The Speaker’s position is deteriorating fast. Reports say he is sticking to his line that the recruitment process was fair, modern and followed best practice. “Previously, the outgoing Clerks handed in a piece of paper with three names on it,” as he says. Leave aside the fact that his process has created an unprecedented shambles. He now has to avoid lying to the House.

For either Saxton Bampfylde are the most incompetent head hunters in the history of head hunting or John Bercow refused to pass on their warnings about Ms Mills’ comic lack of suitability.

For, what was Ms Mills doing on the long list at all? Saxton Bampfylde, charged with finding a new Commons Clerk presents a facilities manager presiding over “the worst-run department in the Commonwealth” according to one Australian Senator, a manager with no procedural knowledge, and with two separate Inquiries against her. “Just the ticket!” they think, and put her up for consideration. Really? When are they going to spill the beans?

The Commons Commission is FoI-able. Whether the oddly-established Panel of Selection is – that’s a moot point. It needs a clerk to rule on that one. But what did Saxton Bampfylde tell them? Their reputation is at risk. The truth will out – and sooner rather than later.

Kick off at 2.30. Guido will be posting as report shortly after the Speaker sits down. Points of Order will be around 5pm.