Two fingers up to the public

As has slowly become apparent, our MPs, now recovered from the exposure and criticism of their expenses, are reverting to their old ways. The Labour members have made it clear now that they are more interested in scoring political points than electing a Speaker who can achieve parliamentary reform. Bercow clearly was not wanted by most Conservatives and they will see him as another Labour stooge. This will make working relationships difficult and it is hard to see how reform will happen in this environment. In addition, Gordon Brown is still PM, so meaningful reform is a non-starter.

It is also apparent that Mr Bercow likes the sound of his own voice. It won't take long for the public to find out what they have leading Parliament.

It was also interesting to see that Gordon Brown's and support and active whipping for Margaret Beckett torpedoed her chances.