John Bercow, the Conservative MP who is currently a favourite in the contest for a new Commons Speaker, is facing opposition from his own party.
The Guardian reports that left-wing Tory Bercow is regarded with suspicion by members of his own party.
He is married to Labour supporter Sally Illman and has produced a report for Gordon Brown on children with learning difficulties. In addition, his campaign to be the next Speaker is being run by Labour backbencher Martin Salter.
It is reported that at least 100 MPs have indicated they will support Bercow.
And the Guardian reports that one senior Tory MP said: "The behaviour of the Labour Party is gratuitously rude and has upset many Conservative MPs. It would be perverse if Bercow is elected."
Conservatives are allegedly making it clear in private that they would "challenge" Bercow if he is elected.
The Daily Mail reports that Commons sources say Labour whips are pushing his candidacy "in a plot to irritate David Cameron".
It reports that Tory Ann Widdecombe, who is also running for the position as Speaker, suggested Bercow should quit the contest if he cannot prove he has the support of his own party as well as Labour.
The House Magazine's parliamentary hustings for candidates to become the next Speaker will be held on Wednesday. Confirmed speakers are Margaret Beckett, Sir Alan Beith, John Bercow, Sir Patrick Cormack, Parmjit Dhanda, Sir Alan Haselhurst, Richard Shepherd and Sir George Young.
