A VOTE of no confidence in Commons speaker John Bercow was looking likely this week, as backbench MPs seek to oust him.

Prime minister Theresa May has freed ministers to vote in support of the motion, and the campaign to ditch the self-important Bercow is now gathering momentum.

If the vote succeeds and Bercow is forced to go, it certainly won't be before time. The role of speaker is supposed to be one of impartiality, dignity and respect for the traditions and procedure of high office.

Mr Bercow has fallen short on many of these requirements. From ditching the wig and gowns traditionally worn in the role (apparently so people would be able to see more of him and thus make him more recognisable); to grandstanding on his views about President Trump and even about Pope Benedict; and now to revealing that he backed Remain in the EU referendum, Speaker Bercow has made the role all about him; and in doing so, he has repeatedly undermined what little credibility he has had in a job to which he is clearly so unsuited.

If the egotistical Bercow goes, let's hope we see a return to the dignity and true impartiality of the role, and that the next speaker has the gravitas and respect for tradition required for the position.

My money's on Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Louise Allonby