Speaker Beckett?

Somehow it doesn't seem plausible but within the past ten minutes she has thrown her hat into the ring.

In one way it is good for Parliament. All of those who were offically in the race this morning were male. Parliament is predominantly male and it is for that reason that Beckett's candidacy is good. But the champagne should remain on ice.

For Mrs Beckett has been at the heart of governmental failures for the past twelve years. Not only that but she has been embroiled in the expenses scandal. For these reasons she should stand but not be successful.