Sir Lindsay Hoyle was put under “intolerable pressure” by the Labour Party, Sir Iain Duncan Smith claimed as the Commons Speaker fights for his political life.
Tory and SNP MPs have launched an attempt to oust Sir Lindsay after his controversial handling of yesterday’s debate on a Gaza ceasefire plunged the Commons into chaos.
But Sir Iain, the former leader of the Conservative Party, appeared to lay the blame for the debacle on Labour’s doorstep.
Asked if he believed Sir Lindsay was now in trouble, Sir Iain told GB News: “The SNP have expressed a lack of confidence [in the Speaker]; I don’t know where they’ll take it. I’m very fond of the Speaker, he’s been very good in many ways, and he’s defended our rights.
“I think the truth is he was put under intolerable pressure by Labour’s determination to bend the rules so they could have their own amendment. Many on the Labour front bench need to reflect on the position they’ve left him in.”
Sir Iain made clear he was against removing Sir Lindsay: “I certainly am not going to be voting to get the Speaker out.”
Labour has denied the suggestion that it put pressure on Sir Lindsay to select its amendment calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
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