MPs will vote later today for a new Commons Speaker amid claims that Labour whips are trying to influence the contest, the BBC reports.

Ex-foreign secretary Margaret Beckett remains bookmakers’ favourite, but at least one Labour MP has accused the government of trying to install her.

Stephen Pound said government whips were “touting Margaret Beckett” and said that they should “stop doing it”.

Ten candidates are in the running to replace Michael Martin, who was forced out following the expenses scandal.

Mr Pound, Labour MP for Ealing North, also said he thought Mrs Beckett would win the MPs secret ballot on Monday, because of the whips’ involvement.

The Daily Record meanwhile reveal that a victory for Tory front-runner John Bercow would cost the UK £2million in pension payments.

Bercow, 46, is one of three favourites to be elected today. But because of his comparative youth, funding Bercow’s retirement would cost twice as much as that of 66-yearold Margaret Beckett or Sir George Young, 67, the other main contenders.

The Speaker is paid £141,866 a year including an MP’s salary of £64,766.

This entitles him or her to a pension of £40,000 a year in addition to £39,999 from an MP’s pension.

Bercow would cost the taxpayer at least £500,000 more than Beckett or Young and £1million more than Lib Dem Sir Alan Beith, 66, who says he would not take the Speaker’s pension.

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