Harriet Harman has made it through the first round vote in today’s Speaker election – but Lindsay Hoyle looks unbeatable.
Two MPs were knocked out – Meg Hillier and Sir Edward Leigh, after gaining less than five per cent of the vote.
The first poll’s results showed Sir Lindsay Hoyle, bookies’ favourite, far ahead with 211 votes, followed by Eleanor Laing (113), Chris Bryant (98), Harriet Harman (72), and Rosie Winterton (46).
Harman, the “Mother of the House” gained thirteen per cent of the vote. Her backers include Yvette Cooper, who Tweeted earlier today: “No one knows better the different pressures and perspectives in Parliament” and Rosie Duffield, who said: “I cannot remember a time when she wasn’t inspiring me and leading women.”
Although Hoyle seems likely to win, without gaining 50 per cent the vote has gone to a second round, with no candidates choosing to drop out.
In her pitch to MPs, Harman described her “unparalleled” experience and track record of reform, and said this meant she was the best person for the job at a time when the country and the House of Commons is so divided over Brexit.