Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has confirmed that she is to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming election for a new Deputy Speaker.
 
Eleanor, who has been our MP for 16 years, is receiving cross-Party support and has been named as 5/4 favourite with bookmakers Ladbrokes to win the contest which is expected to be held in the next couple of weeks. She also received full support from the Association, and many others in the Consituency.
 
Mrs Laing said: ”I have been encouraged to stand by colleagues from both sides of the House of Commons and I’m pleased at the amount of support I am getting.”
 
She added: “Elections are always unpredictable, however, and this one is very unusual as the candidates have to be from the Government party (Conservative or Liberal Democrat) but all 650 MPs will have a vote.”
 
The final list of candidates is not yet known.
 
The arrangements for the election will be announced by the Speaker on Tuesday (October 8) with the ballot expected to take place about a week later.
 
Eleanor has served on various Select and Joint Committees, in Shadow Ministerial posts and the Opposition Whips Office.
 
She is currently chairman of the Back Bench Constitutional Committee.