Sir Alan Haselhurst in running for Speaker's job in Commons

By Sinead Holland

UTTLESFORD'S MP Sir Alan Haselhurst has emerged as a front-runner in the race to become the next Speaker of the House of Commons - despite being criticised for his own expenses after revelations in The Daily Telegraph.

Michael Martin, the current holder of the influential position, was expected to resign at 2.30pm today (Tuesday, May 19) after being widely criticised over the second homes scandal which has engulfed Parliament.

Sir Alan, the long-serving Conservative member for Saffron Walden and deputy speaker of the house, is now tipped for the top job along with former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell and former Tory leadership contender David Davis.

Last week it was revealed the top Tory claimed more than £140,000 in relation to his country home at Duddenhoe End, just outside Saffron Walden, including almost £12,000 for gardening.

In order to become Speaker, Sir Alan, 71, must first be nominated by 12 members, with at least three from parties other than their own. The winner is the candidate who gets an outright majority of votes in a secret ballot. If any candidate gets more than half the votes, they will be elected Speaker, otherwise the candidate with the least votes will be eliminated and the process will be repeated until one contender has a majority.

(poll 1005)