So, the bookies’ constant favourite has done it: congratulations to Eleanor Laing on her election as deputy Speaker. She came through several rounds of transferable voting, always in first place, to see off Brian Binley by 273 votes to 240. Here’s what the final league table looked like:
Announcing the result, John Bercow said:
“I congratulate the honourable lady warmly, and I may say on behalf of my colleagues and myself that we all greatly look forward to working with her.
In the process, I should like, I’m sure on behalf of the whole House, to thank all of the candidates for participating in the election, and for a contest which showed the House at its best.”
And Laing herself:
“May I also on behalf of all the candidates who took part thank each of the other candidates for the demure and pleasant way in which this election has been conducted, and may I thank the House for placing their confidence in me to let me become part of your team.”