MPs Express No Confidence in Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Tensions Rise in the Commons
Seventy Members of Parliament have openly declared their lack of confidence in House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle after the upheaval that ensued last Wednesday. The Speaker is now facing a challenge to remain in his position as numerous Tory and SNP MPs supported a motion calling for his removal. The controversy arose when Sir Lindsay disregarded tradition by permitting a Labour amendment advocating for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to go through without a vote, causing uproar among members.
Backlash Against Sir Lindsay
The situation escalated further as some SNP MPs dramatically exited the chamber, leading to the amendment’s passing without a formal vote and prompting the Government to announce its boycott of the proceedings. Among those expressing a vote of no confidence in Sir Lindsay is Sir Graham Brady, who heads the influential 1922 Committee of backbench Tories. The motion questioning the Speaker’s position was introduced by Tory backbencher William Wragg, intensifying the pressure on Sir Lindsay.
Speaker’s Apology and Reactions
In a somber moment on Wednesday evening, Sir Lindsay appeared close to tears as he apologized to MPs for the unfolding events, particularly assisting Keir Starmer in averting a potential rebellion. The Labour leader had been facing resignations from his frontbench over supporting an SNP-led motion demanding an immediate ceasefire. Sir Lindsay expressed regret for the outcome, emphasizing his intention to allow all perspectives to be heard while highlighting concerns for MPs’ safety amidst personal threats related to their positions on the Gaza conflict.
List of MPs With No Confidence in Speaker
– William Wragg (Conservative – Hazel Grove)
– Gary Sambrook (Conservative – Birmingham Northfield)
– Jill Mortimer (Conservative – Hartlepool)
– John Stevenson (Conservative – Carlisle)
– Dr Kieran Mullan (Conservative – Crewe and Nantwich)
– Anthony Mangnall (Conservative – Totnes)
– Sir James Duddridge (Conservative – Rochford and Southend East)
– Jo Gideon (Conservative – Stoke-on-Trent Central)
– Chris Green (Conservative – Bolton West)
– Bob Blackman (Conservative – Harrow East)
– Tom Randall (Conservative – Gedling)
– Jonathan Lord (Conservative – Woking)
– Karl McCartney (Conservative – Lincoln)
– Derek Thomas (Conservative – St Ives)
Speaker’s Future Uncertain
The situation remains fluid as Sir Lindsay is scheduled to engage in discussions with party leaders to address the mounting concerns. Notably, Tory minister Maria Caulfield highlighted the Speaker’s increasingly precarious position, reflecting the growing discontent within parliamentary ranks. The aftermath of these events is likely to have broader implications on the dynamics within the House of Commons and may fuel further debates on Sir Lindsay’s tenure.
