A HAMPSHIRE MP has been tipped to become the next Speaker of the House of Commons.

Sir George Young, a former Tory minister, has long been linked with the job which will be vacated by Michael Martin on June 21.

As chairman of the Commons disciplinary body, he has been a key player in sleaze inquiries.

An Old Etonian known for his fondness for cycling, Sir George represents the constituency of North West Hampshire.

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The bookies' favourite remains fellow Tory Sir Alan Haselhurst - whose performance in the chair as one of Mr Martin's team deputies has won him many admirers.

Another leading contender is the highly respected former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

The name of David Davis, the man who fought David Cameron for the Tory leadership then quit as an MP to force a by-election over civil liberties, has also been in the frame.

Frank Field, the independent-minded Labour MP and scourge of Gordon Brown over the 10p tax rate, could also be a candidate as could Tory Anne Widdecombe.

The new Speaker will be elected by a secret ballot of MPs on June 22.