The Commons must debate Douglas Carswell's motion of no confidence

Over on his blog Douglas Carswell MP has published his motion of no confidence in the Speaker and the list of supporting MPs:

"That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker and calls for him to step down; notes that Mr Speaker has failed to provide leadership in matters relating to hon. Members' expenses; believes that a new Speaker urgently needs to be elected by secret ballot, free from manipulation by party Whips, under Standing Order No. 1B; and believes that a new Speaker should proceed to reform the House in such a way as to make it an effective legislature once again."

1. Douglas Carswell
2. Kate Hoey
3. Norman Lamb
4. Richard Bacon
5. David Davis
6. Philip Hollobone
7. Paul Flynn
8. Gordon Prentice
9. Richard Shepherd
10. Philip Davies
11. John Hemming
12. Jo Swinson
13. Norman Baker
14. Lynne Featherstone
15. Stephen Williams

There is talk that the Commons may not even debate the motion. That would be a mistake. The issue needs to be resolved one way or the other.

Tim Montgomerie