Ukip MP Douglas Carswell rules himself OUT of becoming the next House of Commons Speaker

The Clacton MP is a bookies' outsider to replace current Speaker John Bercow, who is rumoured to be retiring from the post next year.

The 45-year-old was one of a number of MPs in the running, along with Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and Labour's Lindsay Hoyle – who already holds the Deputy Speaker post.

Mr Bercow said he would serve as Speaker for nine years when he took up the role in 2009 – sparking gossip that the job will soon be up for grabs.

EXPRESS

Douglas Carswell said he would not be the next Commons Speaker, despite the speculation

I'm not going to become the Speaker

Douglas Carswell

With that deadline fast approaching, Ukip's only MP shot down the prospect of putting himself forward, insisting he was only interested in serving his constituents.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: "It's quite flattering for me to hear people speculating whether I'd be Speaker of the House of Commons.

"I know that John Bercow is Speaker and I want to get called upon in the next debate, I would ruin my chances if I was to discuss his departure.

GETTY

The Ukip MP had been rumoured to go for the post if it became vacant

"I'm the member of Parliament for Clacton, I'm 100 per cent Ukip, that's what I'm going to do."

The Vote Leave founder suggested the job, which involves orchestrating what happens in the Commons, may be a bit too tedious for his liking.

"If you sat in the Speaker's chair, think of all those endless politician's debates and speeches you'd have to listen to," he smirked.

GETTY

John Bercow has hinted he could step down as Speaker next year

Some bookmakers have given Mr Carswell a 16/1 chance of taking over as Mr Bercow's successor.

In 2014 he became Ukip's first elected MP after defecting from the Conservatives, a party he'd served since he was first voted in 12 years ago.

Although he has plenty of experience inside the Commons, Mr Carswell is adamant the job wasn't for him.

"It's the first time I've been asked, I wasn't aware anyone was speculating whether or not I'd be the Speaker of the House of Commons," he said.

"I'm Ukip member of Parliament for Clacton and I'm not going to stop being a member of Parliament for Clacton – I'm not going to become the Speaker."

GETTY

There are a number of MPs rumoured to be in the running

The position will only become available if Mr Bercow, who sat as a Tory MP before taking up the impartial role eight years ago, decides to call time on the post.

Mr Rees-Mogg, a Brexiteer and a colourful backbencher, is one of the strong contenders to win the battle to become the next Speaker of the House of Commons.

Although he has not confirmed any candidacy, it's understood the MP for North East Somerset has the support of several MPs.

Others speculated to enter the race include the Labour MP for Rhondda, Chris Bryant, and Conservative MP Charles Walker.

Original Article