Henry Bellingham during deputy speaker hustings, picture by Jack Lawson McDonald. (Image: © Jack Lawson Photography, 2013)
Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham has failed to win the support of the House of Commons to become deputy speaker.
The North-West Norfolk MP lost out to Eleanor Laing in the bid for the role which would have seen him chairing debates and helping with the running of parliament.
Although he described himself as an 'outsider' when he first threw his hat in the ring for the role, in the hours before the vote the odds shortened on the veteran Tory MP, with Paddy Power offering 7/4 on him this morning.
But MP Brian Binley came second in the final round of votes.
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