Labour MP Meg Hillier – who is currently running to replace Bercow as Commons Speaker – has taken the unprecedented step of writing to MPs’ staffers promising to address the prevalent bullying problem in parliament. Conveniently, the biggest obstacle to resolving the issue will be leaving his post very shortly…

In the email, Hillier writes

“I am running because of my concerns about the slow progress in tackling the culture of bullying and harassment that is still too prevalent in Westminster.

…

Whether you are employed by the House or by an individual MP, we should be nurturing the talent that chooses to work to support Parliament in its important work. All too often staff have been let down.

I fully support the establishment of an independent complaint mechanism and sanctions for those who act inappropriately. But more than that we need to see a wholescale shift in culture.

I did not want you to think that I am talking about you and not with you. I am speaking to trade unions and staff association representatives.”

Hillier is also pledging to begin representing staff on the Speaker’s Committee on IPSA and the House of Commons Commission. Like all good lobbyists, she’s realised MPs’ staffers are an effective place to start… 

The race to be the next speaker is formally on, with a number of candidates now openly campaigning. In truth many candidates have been quietly on the campaign trail for well over a year. Harriet Harman has the most sophisticated operation and the most support from the Labour benches. Another serious contender at this stage is Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle. Harman took to the airwaves on The Today Programme to declare that she agreed with Bercow’s flagrant disregard for precedent…

Guido brings you the runners and riders to be the next speaker in full here…

• Harriet Harman (Lab)
  • The (self-described) ‘Mother of the House’. Pitching herself as ‘continuity Bercow.’ That will go down well with Remainers but is unlikely to pick up much Tory support…
• Lindsay Hoyle (Lab)
  • Deputy Speaker. Good sense of humour with a decidedly smaller head than his would-be predecessor. Seen as less activist with a broader appeal across the House. But will this Remainer Parliament want someone less keen on breaking the rules for their own cause?
• Chris Bryant (Lab)
  • Loves Parliamentary procedure so much he wrote a book on it. An also-ran.
• Charles Walker (Con)
  • A close friend of Bercow and loyal Theresa May fan. May want to add ‘speaker’ to his title along with his KBE this morning.
• Eleanor Laing (Con)
  • Seen as more cooperative in the eyes of Brexiteers…
• Rosie Winterton (Lab)
  • Another Deputy Speaker and former Labour Chief Whip under Miliband.
• Meg Hillier (Lab)
  • Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
• Sir Henry Bellingham (Con)
  • Promised to bring back ceremonial outfits, including wifs for the clerks and speaker. Will go down well with traditional Tories…
• Sir Edward Leigh (Con)
  • Certainly the Tory Brexiteer’s favourite… so a no-hoper if Bercow insists on this cohort of MPs voting in the next speaker.
• Pete Wishart (SNP)
  • Clearly doesn’t think Scottish independence is likely any time soon…

Expect backroom dealings and grovelling campaigning over the next two months…

UPDATE: After putting his name about, Pete Wishart has sheepishly pulled out

UPDATE II: Election for the next speaker announced for 4th November

UPDATE III: Shailesh Vara (Con) has emailed MPs announcing he is also running for speaker, promising to be impartial and to address “everyone in a respectful and fair manner“.