Several MPs have refused to publicly criticize Sir Lindsay Hoyle, despite the revelations of the post in the past days.
This newspaper contacted more than 20 members, all of whom refused to go on the file.
Each stated that the speaker of the Commons has an enormous uncontrolled power because he can decide whether MPs ask, changes to legislation and private accounts are heard.
A member of parliament said: 'The problem is that I think MPs will have problems when they start calling something [like an investigation into Hoyle]Because they are never called to speak again. '
Another added: “I am very edgy about saying something because I have a lot of worries, want to increase my voters and if you play the speaker of the speaker, you will probably not be called to raise them.”
There is no mechanism for activating an investigation into the costs of the speaker, probably because of how the role has evolved over the years.
Although he could be examined by the independent parliamentary authority Waakhond about his costs incurred as a member of parliament, there is no equivalent for those made in his capacity of the speaker.
One MP said that this was partly why they would fear to become a 'sitting duck' if they publicly complained. The speaker presents commons debates and determines which members can speak and which legislation changes will be considered.
MPs have refused to criticize publicly, speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle (photo) despite recent revelations, referring to his enormous uncontrolled power
Many are reluctant to call the speaker out of fear that they will not be called to speak
Sir Lindsay Hoyle during the ceremony of Memorial Gates Commonwealth Day. There is no mechanism for starting an investigation into the costs of the speaker
They are also responsible for maintaining order during debates and can punish those who violate house rules. The speaker is elected by a secret ballot of MPs at the start of a parliament after a general election – or after the death or retirement of their predecessor.
But there is no formal way for MPs to expel a speaker. Erskine May, the Bible of the parliamentary procedure, says that the speaker 'will continue in that office during the entire parliament'. MPs can, however, criticize the speaker by ignoring a motion against them.
The government can then offer time to debate. But unless it could lead to the speaker resigning, one would probably not be submitted.
The speaker's spokesperson said: 'Costs made by the speaker in his role as chairman of the Lower House paid by the House of Commons Administration.
“Complaints about the speaker – in his role as a speaker – are not covered by the commissioner for standards.”
