Lindsay Hoyle’s position is precarious after Commons Gaza chaos
It was just after 7pm last night when Sir Lindsay Hoyle – looking shaken and emotional – returned to his Speaker’s chair to apologise that the debate on a ceasefire in Gaza had descended into chaos.
Sir Lindsay had been absent for the previous hour, during which one of his deputies, Dame Rosie Winterton, had presided over furious demands by SNP and Conservative MPs for his return.
They were angry that he had allowed Labour’s amendment on a ceasefire to be tabled, in defiance of parliamentary convention.
Dozens of MPs walked out and there was an attempt to force the chamber to sit in private – something not witnessed since December 2001.
Sir Lindsay’s decision to allow the Labour amendment – which saved Sir Keir Starmer from a major rebellion – enraged other parties because he is supposed to be resolutely impartial.
The Speaker was elected five years ago with huge support from both sides of the House – including many Tories who are now questioning if he can command confidence.
The unseemly nature of the proceedings will make little difference on the ground in Israel and Gaza: the fact that Labour’s amendment for an “all sides” ceasefire was passed in the end does not mean the fighting will stop.
But it does make Sir Lindsay’s position as Speaker precarious. His apology was welcomed by the Commons Leader, Penny Mordaunt, and he will attempt to smooth things over with leaders and chief whips from all parties in the coming days.
Yet Conservative and SNP MPs remain unhappy, and there are moves for a vote of no confidence in the Speaker.
