Bercow wins race to become new Commons speaker

Tory John Bercow won the race to become Speaker of the House of Commons tonight.

The Buckingham MP led the voting throughout, and beat off the challenge of rival George Young in a dramatic head-to-head.

Mr Bercow secured 322 backers in the third round, compared with 271 for the North West Hampshire MP.

After the result was announced to a packed chamber, the new Speaker was “dragged” to the chair in a traditional ritual.

He said: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the confidence that you have placed in me.