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General election: Lindsay Hoyle clear winner in first ballot for Speaker, but short of 50% of votes needed – live news General election: Lindsay Hoyle extends lead in Speaker ballot, but still short of 50% of votes needed – live news
(32 minutes later)
Rolling coverage of the day’s political events as they happen, including 2019 general election campaigningRolling coverage of the day’s political events as they happen, including 2019 general election campaigning
In the chamber Ken Clarke has just announced that Harriet Harman is pulling out.
That means there are three candidates left: Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Dame Eleanor Laing, and Chris Bryant.
New ballot papers are being printed, and then the ballot opens. We should get the final result soon after 7pm.
Some 575 MPs voted in the second ballot - 13 more than in the first round.
Assuming they all keep voting, that means a candidate needs 288 votes to win.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle is short by 44.
Ken Clarke has just read out the results of the second round of voting.
Here they are (with the results from the first round in brackets).
Sir Lindsay Hoyle: 244 (211)
Dame Eleanor Laing: 122 (113)
Chris Bryant: 120 (98)
Harriet Harman: 59 (72)
Dame Rosie Winterton: 30 (46)
Winterton has now been eliminated.
Hoyle has extended his lead, but he is still short of the votes he needs.
In the Commons the division bells are ringing, which means the results of the next round of voting in the election of the new Speaker will be announced soon.
Sky News is now proposing a three-way leaders’s debate, involving Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader.
And Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister and leader of the SNP, has described the decision to exclude her as “outrageous”. Her party has 35 MPs, while Swinson’s has just 19 - and eight of those are defectors from other parties.
This morning Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, got the 8.10 slot on the Today programme to discuss Labour figures showing that almost 80,000 operations were cancelled last year.
Ed Conway, Sky’s economics editor, has posted a good thread on Twitter explaining this figure in context. Here are the key points.
More than 400,000 EU citizens living in Britain applied for settled status in the last month, in a huge surge reflecting the threat of a no-deal Brexit.More than 400,000 EU citizens living in Britain applied for settled status in the last month, in a huge surge reflecting the threat of a no-deal Brexit.
The number of total applications has now passed 2.2m, up from 1.8m in September, the Home Office has said, with around 17,000 applications per day. The new total represents 64% of the estimated 3.4m EU citizens living in the UK.The number of total applications has now passed 2.2m, up from 1.8m in September, the Home Office has said, with around 17,000 applications per day. The new total represents 64% of the estimated 3.4m EU citizens living in the UK.
The rise in applications in the last four weeks reflects concerns among EU citizens that they would be left in legal limbo if the UK had crashed out of the EU as threatened by Boris Johnson on 31 October.The rise in applications in the last four weeks reflects concerns among EU citizens that they would be left in legal limbo if the UK had crashed out of the EU as threatened by Boris Johnson on 31 October.
A spokesman for the Home Office said 1.8m had received either settled status (given to those in the country for five years or more) or pre-settled status (given to those in the country for fewer than five years).A spokesman for the Home Office said 1.8m had received either settled status (given to those in the country for five years or more) or pre-settled status (given to those in the country for fewer than five years).
Some 300,000 applicants remainder are still being processed. Some 400,000 applications are still being processed.
EU citizens and their family members have until at least 31 December 2020 to apply whatever the outcome of Brexit. If the new prime minister seals a deal that deadline will be extended to June 2021.EU citizens and their family members have until at least 31 December 2020 to apply whatever the outcome of Brexit. If the new prime minister seals a deal that deadline will be extended to June 2021.
Wales is on course for a fundamental transformation in its political landscape with Welsh Labour’s dominance under threat, the first opinion poll of the campaign in the country is suggesting.Wales is on course for a fundamental transformation in its political landscape with Welsh Labour’s dominance under threat, the first opinion poll of the campaign in the country is suggesting.
The YouGov poll for ITV-Cymru Wales and Cardiff University has the Tories level with Labour in Wales while the Brexit Party is in third place and the Lib Dems have lost ground.The YouGov poll for ITV-Cymru Wales and Cardiff University has the Tories level with Labour in Wales while the Brexit Party is in third place and the Lib Dems have lost ground.
Here are the voting intention figures (with changes on the last poll conducted last month in brackets).Here are the voting intention figures (with changes on the last poll conducted last month in brackets).
Labour: 29 (+4)Labour: 29 (+4)
Conservatives: 28 (-1)Conservatives: 28 (-1)
Brexit party: 15 (+1)Brexit party: 15 (+1)
Liberal Democrats: 12 (-4)Liberal Democrats: 12 (-4)
Plaid Cymru: 12 (no change)Plaid Cymru: 12 (no change)
Greens: 3 (-1)Greens: 3 (-1)
Others: 1 (no change)Others: 1 (no change)
In a blog Prof Roger Awan-Scully, head of politics and international relations at Cardiff University, cautiously suggests this could lead to Labour losing 10 seats in Wales, and the Conservatives gaining nine.In a blog Prof Roger Awan-Scully, head of politics and international relations at Cardiff University, cautiously suggests this could lead to Labour losing 10 seats in Wales, and the Conservatives gaining nine.
These are from the New Statesman’s Stephen Bush.These are from the New Statesman’s Stephen Bush.
As Bush points out, the election of the Commons Speaker is taking a while because MPs use an exhaustive ballot (successive rounds of voting, as candidates drop out). In the other main internal House of Commons elections, for select committee chairs, they use the alternative vote.As Bush points out, the election of the Commons Speaker is taking a while because MPs use an exhaustive ballot (successive rounds of voting, as candidates drop out). In the other main internal House of Commons elections, for select committee chairs, they use the alternative vote.
The fact that they are not using first past the post (FPTP), the system used in the UK to elect MPs, might be seen as evidence that FPTP is not ideal and that there are much better voting systems available. But all the MPs who sit in the Commons have managed to get there via FPTP, and the arguments for replacing are rarely heard at the moment. (In fact, in the election campaign so far, the only party making a big issue of electoral reform is the Brexit party.)The fact that they are not using first past the post (FPTP), the system used in the UK to elect MPs, might be seen as evidence that FPTP is not ideal and that there are much better voting systems available. But all the MPs who sit in the Commons have managed to get there via FPTP, and the arguments for replacing are rarely heard at the moment. (In fact, in the election campaign so far, the only party making a big issue of electoral reform is the Brexit party.)
Probably not.Probably not.
There are now just 22 new votes up for grabs. Even if all of them go to Rosie Winterton, assuming no other changes, she would not catch Harriet Harman, and so there must be a strong chance of her dropping out after the next round of voting.There are now just 22 new votes up for grabs. Even if all of them go to Rosie Winterton, assuming no other changes, she would not catch Harriet Harman, and so there must be a strong chance of her dropping out after the next round of voting.
That would free up 68 votes - almost all the 70 that Hoyle would need to win. (See 4.20am.)That would free up 68 votes - almost all the 70 that Hoyle would need to win. (See 4.20am.)
Of course, they won’t all go to Hoyle. But it would be fair to assume that quite a few at least of the votes for Hillier and Winterton (both Labour MPs) will go to Hoyle (also a Labour MP).Of course, they won’t all go to Hoyle. But it would be fair to assume that quite a few at least of the votes for Hillier and Winterton (both Labour MPs) will go to Hoyle (also a Labour MP).
But Hillier and Winterton are also women, and many MPs may understandably be motivated by a desire to see another woman as Speaker, for only the second time in history.But Hillier and Winterton are also women, and many MPs may understandably be motivated by a desire to see another woman as Speaker, for only the second time in history.
This could be Eleanor Laing’s best route to victory. But is it a plausible one? Even if she were to pick up all the Hillier votes, and all the Winterton votes, and then all the Harriet Harman ones, she would still only be on 241 votes - 41 short of the 282 threshold.This could be Eleanor Laing’s best route to victory. But is it a plausible one? Even if she were to pick up all the Hillier votes, and all the Winterton votes, and then all the Harriet Harman ones, she would still only be on 241 votes - 41 short of the 282 threshold.
There are scenarios you can imagine which might see someone overhauling Hoyle. But, unlike a party leadership election, this isn’t one of those ballots where people will switch to backing another candidate for personal advancement. It is a secret ballot, and even if MPs do tell the person who eventually wins they are backing their cause, there is little they will gain from the Speaker’s patronage. He or she does not appoint a cabinet.There are scenarios you can imagine which might see someone overhauling Hoyle. But, unlike a party leadership election, this isn’t one of those ballots where people will switch to backing another candidate for personal advancement. It is a secret ballot, and even if MPs do tell the person who eventually wins they are backing their cause, there is little they will gain from the Speaker’s patronage. He or she does not appoint a cabinet.
And switching of this kind only normally happens in an election where voting is driven by a strong desire to block a particular candidate. But Hoyle does not inspire that sort of feelings in MPs. He is well liked, and he is easily acceptable to the house as a whole. We are not expecting to see an operation to scupper his chances.And switching of this kind only normally happens in an election where voting is driven by a strong desire to block a particular candidate. But Hoyle does not inspire that sort of feelings in MPs. He is well liked, and he is easily acceptable to the house as a whole. We are not expecting to see an operation to scupper his chances.
In other words, it is very hard to see how he does not end up as Speaker by the end of the day.In other words, it is very hard to see how he does not end up as Speaker by the end of the day.
Ken Clarke tells MPs that no candidate is dropping out.Ken Clarke tells MPs that no candidate is dropping out.
He says the new ballot papers will be printed.He says the new ballot papers will be printed.
Labour’s John Speller complains. He says there was no need to print new ballot papers. MPs could have managed with the original ones, he says. He says they would have known who had dropped out.Labour’s John Speller complains. He says there was no need to print new ballot papers. MPs could have managed with the original ones, he says. He says they would have known who had dropped out.
Clarke says this is the system they are using.Clarke says this is the system they are using.
He suspends proceedings until the new ballot papers are printed.He suspends proceedings until the new ballot papers are printed.
Ken Clarke announces the result.Ken Clarke announces the result.
He says 562 MPs voted. The results are:He says 562 MPs voted. The results are:
Sir Lindsay Hoyle: 211Sir Lindsay Hoyle: 211
Dame Eleanor Laing: 113Dame Eleanor Laing: 113
Chris Bryant: 98Chris Bryant: 98
Harriet Harman: 72Harriet Harman: 72
Dame Rosie Winterton: 46Dame Rosie Winterton: 46
Sir Edward Leigh: 12Sir Edward Leigh: 12
Meg Hillier: 10Meg Hillier: 10
Clarke says Hillier and Leigh are now out, because Hillier came last, and Leigh also received fewer than 5% of votes cast.Clarke says Hillier and Leigh are now out, because Hillier came last, and Leigh also received fewer than 5% of votes cast.
He says any other candidate who wants to drop out must say so within the next 10 minutes.He says any other candidate who wants to drop out must say so within the next 10 minutes.
If the 562 MPs who voted stay for the rest of the day, a candidate needs 282 to get more than 50%.If the 562 MPs who voted stay for the rest of the day, a candidate needs 282 to get more than 50%.
That means Hoyle is only 70 votes short of winning.That means Hoyle is only 70 votes short of winning.
In the Commons the division bells are ringing. That means the results of the first round of voting in the election of the new Speaker will be announced shortly.In the Commons the division bells are ringing. That means the results of the first round of voting in the election of the new Speaker will be announced shortly.
CapX’s Robert Covile has picked up this gem from the BBC’s coverage of the election of the new Speaker.CapX’s Robert Covile has picked up this gem from the BBC’s coverage of the election of the new Speaker.
Pro-remain independent unionist MP Lady Sylvia Hermon will hardly be punching the air with relief over Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald’s endorsement of her in the forthcoming general election. (See 1.29pm.)Pro-remain independent unionist MP Lady Sylvia Hermon will hardly be punching the air with relief over Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald’s endorsement of her in the forthcoming general election. (See 1.29pm.)
North Down is a solidly unionist seat which is unique in being the only pro-union constituency in Northern Ireland that voted to remain in the 2016 EU referendum.North Down is a solidly unionist seat which is unique in being the only pro-union constituency in Northern Ireland that voted to remain in the 2016 EU referendum.
However, many remain unionist voters remain solidly pro another union as well as being Europhile - the one between Northern Ireland and Britain.However, many remain unionist voters remain solidly pro another union as well as being Europhile - the one between Northern Ireland and Britain.
The most affluent parliamentary constituency in the region is also home to a large cohort of retired police officers and ex-military who admired Lady Hermon’s late husband, the combative, often highly controversial former Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable Jack Hermon.The most affluent parliamentary constituency in the region is also home to a large cohort of retired police officers and ex-military who admired Lady Hermon’s late husband, the combative, often highly controversial former Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable Jack Hermon.
One veteran RUC detective whose own family were split down the middle between leave/remain in the Brexit referendum today described Sinn Fein’s backing for Hermon as a potential “kiss of death” for the North Down MP.One veteran RUC detective whose own family were split down the middle between leave/remain in the Brexit referendum today described Sinn Fein’s backing for Hermon as a potential “kiss of death” for the North Down MP.
Whichever single unionist candidate stands against her in the campaign will use Sinn Fein’s support for her throughout the weeks ahead in their bid to unseat her, he said.Whichever single unionist candidate stands against her in the campaign will use Sinn Fein’s support for her throughout the weeks ahead in their bid to unseat her, he said.
Whether he is right or wrong most long term observers of the Northern Irish political scene would agree that this was one endorsement Lady Hermon could have done without.Whether he is right or wrong most long term observers of the Northern Irish political scene would agree that this was one endorsement Lady Hermon could have done without.
In a statement outside the Houses of Parliament Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, is making a statement about the ITV proposal to exclude her from one of its election debates. ITV is holding one debate featuring just Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn.
Swinson says she is the only woman standing to be prime minister. She says the people excluding her could be “sexist”, or “scared”, or both
She says the Lib Dems are taking legal advice about what they might be able to do if ITV does not change its mind. She says the party thinks this decision is not in line with Ofcom’s code.
She describes the decision as a “stitch-up”, and says the voice of remainers is being excluded. She goes on:
I’ve beefed up some of the earlier posts with direct quotes, from the Press Association wires, from the speeches given by the seven candidates for Commons Speaker. To get the updates to appear, you may need to refresh the page.
The UK’s national terrorism threat level has been downgraded from severe to substantial for the first time in five years, the home secretary has said, although this means a terrorist attack is still likely, my colleagues Jamie Grierson and Vikram Dodd report.
My colleague Peter Walker has more from the Brexit party event.
Ken Clarke thanks Harman.
He says he will open the ballot. But first he has to give an explanation of the voting process. It is not clear to MPs. (That is because they are voting by secret ballot, a process only ever used in the Commons for these votes, and for select committee elections.)
He says the ballot will remain open for 20 minutes. Around 45 minutes after the ballot closes, the result will be announced.
He declares the ballot open.
So we have to wait about an hour until we get the results of the first round of voting.
Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, is the final candidate to make her pitch.
She says politics is broken. MPs are facing regular threats. So this election is important.
She says, when she was leader of the Commons, she was fair to all sides.
She says the Speaker’s powers must be transparent.
And she would be fearless in standing up for the Commons.
She says her governing principle would be that all constituents are equal, and that all MPs are equal. She would do her best to ensure that all MPs can do their best.
She has not been a member of a minor party in the Commons, she says. So she says she would appoint a fourth deputy speaker, from one of the smaller parties, so their perspective does not get overlooked.
She says she has pushed for reform, including the introduction of proxy voting only recently.
The Commons was 97% male when she was first elected, she says. She says that has changed enormously. But she says there has only been one female Speaker, Betty Boothroyd (who is watching from the gallery).
Many MPs are standing down, she says, sometimes only after a short time. That should concern people. She wishes them all well.
Addressing Ken Clarke, she says he has been an exemplary parliamentarian. She wants to thank him.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the senior deputy Speaker, goes next. He is seen as the favourite, and he starts by praising Ken Clarke, but telling him that MPs expect to carry on hearing from him when he stands down.
He says what matters is that MPs can use parliament to hold the government to account.
As deputy Speaker, he has tried to ensure that everyone gets their voice heard. This is not a club where only people who have been here 35 years count.
He says the Speaker must be trusted. And they must have proven track record. He hopes people will accept that he has that. And he has shown that you can reduce the time taken for Commons matters, he says.
He says security must be improved. But a lot has been done already, he says. He hopes people will credit him for what he has done to ensure that MPs are safe, their families are safe and their staff are safe.
He says the chamber is under-used. There are great ideas for how it could be used more. He will not let MPs down, and he will be accountable.
Meg Hillier, the Labour chair of the public accounts committee, is making her case now.
She says she would be a Speaker who spoke less, but who, when she did speak, would be there to speak up for MPs.
She would be an impartial Speaker. UQs and statements are allowed to go on for too long, she says.
She says she used to be mayor of a London borough. She had a casting vote, and had to handle some tricky situations.
She says MPs know her as someone who can be discreet.
She says, on the restoration and renewal project, she was the MP who tabled the amendment saying MPs should move out of the building while the work goes on.
She says bullying and harassment is still too rife in this building.
There are good MPs to work for and bad MPs to work for. Some members of staff are afraid to raise concerns about how they are treated. She says the Commons needs better HR. This must be addressed now, she says.
Dame Eleanor Laing, another deputy Speaker, goes next.
She thanks Ken Clarke for his service to the Commons.
She says the Commons is full of good people.
She is very sad that so many MPs have decided to leave. It is time someone had the courage to defend MPs, not just in his house but outside as well, she says. She says that is what she would do as Speaker.
There is a real anxiety about the health to the democratic system, she says. She says there is a need to rebuild trust in the political system. This is a time for change, she says, and she would deliver change.
She says there must be an end to bullying in the Commons. She has always discharged her duties with kindness, she says.
She says the Speaker must support the welfare of MPs.
And she says the Speaker should not say any more than needs to be said. And the Speaker should not be taking up the time that should be there for MPs.
Sir Edward Leigh, a Conservative, is speaking now.
He says he would want to encourage backbenchers who are sincere in their beliefs.
He says he thinks the Speaker should submerge his personality into the job. He should be a servant of the house, he says. He says Winterton and Bryant were proposing the same idea in their speeches.
MPs should be proud of what the Commons has achieved in the last three years, he says. Every point of view has been aired, he says.
They should recreate the great debates in this place, he says. Everyone should get a fair crack of the whip, he says.
He says it is also important for MPs to maintain the building properly. He says the restoration can be down cheaply and efficiently. He says he does not support the need for Richmond House to be gutted to home a replacement chamber.
He urges MPs to hold the executive to account, and to be sincere in their beliefs.