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Bercow faces first PM questions Bercow faces first PM questions
(30 minutes later)
The newly-elected Commons Speaker, John Bercow, is preparing to referee his first Prime Minister's Question Time.The newly-elected Commons Speaker, John Bercow, is preparing to referee his first Prime Minister's Question Time.
The Buckingham MP promised to try to reduce the "Punch and Judy" element of the half-hour sessions when he was campaigning for the Speaker's job.The Buckingham MP promised to try to reduce the "Punch and Judy" element of the half-hour sessions when he was campaigning for the Speaker's job.
But the weekly clash between the party leaders can be a stormy affair and it will be the first major test of Mr Bercow's ability to keep MPs in order.But the weekly clash between the party leaders can be a stormy affair and it will be the first major test of Mr Bercow's ability to keep MPs in order.
It gets underway in the House of Commons at noon.It gets underway in the House of Commons at noon.
Mr Bercow received a relatively gentle introduction to the job of Speaker on Tuesday, when he presided over health questions.Mr Bercow received a relatively gentle introduction to the job of Speaker on Tuesday, when he presided over health questions.
Shunning the Speaker's traditional garb, in favour of a business suit and what he described as a "smart but unfussy" gown, he began by urging quick answers from ministers and one question only per MP.Shunning the Speaker's traditional garb, in favour of a business suit and what he described as a "smart but unfussy" gown, he began by urging quick answers from ministers and one question only per MP.
'Honourably''Honourably'
To "hear hears" he added: "I am determined we make good progress through the order paper."To "hear hears" he added: "I am determined we make good progress through the order paper."
SPEAKER MUST REMEMBER What MPs who have tabled questions look like - so he can call them to speakHe also needs to know the names, faces and constituencies of all 646 MPs in case any of them ask supplementary questionsHow many questions the party leaders are entitled to - David Cameron gets six, Nick Clegg gets twoWhether MPs are honourable or right honourable membersThe rules of debate - these include a ban on un-Parliamentary language and accusing another MP of lying to the House
The Buckingham MP got 322 votes to fellow Tory MP Sir George Young's 271 in the final round of secret voting to decide who would take on the role.The Buckingham MP got 322 votes to fellow Tory MP Sir George Young's 271 in the final round of secret voting to decide who would take on the role.
He replaces Michael Martin who quit after nine years amid the furore over MPs' expenses.He replaces Michael Martin who quit after nine years amid the furore over MPs' expenses.
His election was welcomed by party leaders but faced a mixed reception from Conservative MPs, who feel he is too close to New Labour.His election was welcomed by party leaders but faced a mixed reception from Conservative MPs, who feel he is too close to New Labour.
He has also faced questions about his expenses, after he repaid more than £6,000 he did not pay in capital gains tax on property sales.He has also faced questions about his expenses, after he repaid more than £6,000 he did not pay in capital gains tax on property sales.
In an interview with the BBC, Speaker Bercow defended his expense claims, insisting that he had paid money back voluntarily to cover the tax he had saved after he was accused of "flipping" his home. He said he had "behaved honourably".In an interview with the BBC, Speaker Bercow defended his expense claims, insisting that he had paid money back voluntarily to cover the tax he had saved after he was accused of "flipping" his home. He said he had "behaved honourably".
He said he feels a "great responsibility" as he begins his job as House of Commons Speaker.He said he feels a "great responsibility" as he begins his job as House of Commons Speaker.
He also promised he would not claim second home allowances while serving in his new post.He also promised he would not claim second home allowances while serving in his new post.