Should he stay or should he go?

So - is the Speaker going to resign during his statement at 3.30pm?

I reckon so. I think he realises how much damage he has taken with Nick Clegg adding his (slightly more) high profile voice to those clamouring for his resignation. Despite some MPs putting together a half-hearted defence of his handling of the expenses and Damien Green affairs, it does appear that his number is up.

A couple of matters arise from any potential vacancy.

First (as Jeff discusses) is the potential by-election in Glasgow North-East which, despite being in Labour heartland territory, they wouldn't exactly be favoured to win.

And second, a discussion regarding who would be in line to replace him as Speaker. Iain Dale has run a couple of polls which raise a few interesting names, but it seems he has another idea - Vince Cable. Which, if you think about it, makes a decent amount of sense. Decent reputation, handled the economic collapse well for the Lib Dems, respected and - important for Labour MPs - he's not a Tory. He could be a decent shout.

Guess it is now just a wait and see what happens next job.

On another note, I'd like to say a quick thanks those who came out on Saturday to help me celebrate my "half-way to fifty" birthday. Special thanks to Jeff for the specially commissioned MitB gift (below) he gave to me. I'm sure it'll be a must have in Milan soon...