- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday July 12 2000 16.42 BST
Party: Liberal Democrat MP for Fife north east
For: Tony Blair is rumoured to back the candidacy of this senior MP, who is well respected among the New Labour leadership. Mr Campbell has won plenty of races: he competed as a sprinter in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and it is said his legs would still look fine in a pair of ceremonial tights.
Against: Parliamentary precedent: no Liberal has become speaker since John Henry Whitley in 1921-24. Mr Campbell's ties with parliament's "Scottish mafia", including Gordon Brown and Robin Cook, could count against him in the eyes of many English backbenchers. His status as "Downing Street's favourite" will also hinder his chances.
Sir Alan Haselhurst
Party: Conservative MP for Saffron Walden
For: Sir Alan has been Ms Boothroyd's deputy since 1997 and parliamentary tradition decrees that after Labour's Ms Boothroyd it is now the Tories' turn.
Against: MPs whisper that Sir Alan is lacking a charismatic presence, while many Labour MPs will be inclined to take advantage of their numerical supremacy and vote in another speaker from their own party.
Gwyneth Dunwoody
Party: Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich
For: Another in the Boothroyd mould: a vastly experienced Labour MP, veteran of 34 years in the Commons, with a constituency in the Midlands, Ms Dunwoody is backed by many senior Labour MPs. She was instrumental in supporting Ms Boothroyd's election in 1992 and, although the speaker is required to be strictly impartial, there have been rumours of the favour being returned.
Against: If Tony Blair has really let it be known that he wants Mr Campbell as speaker, many Labour loyalists will be disinclined to back such an "old" Labour figure.
Nicholas Winterton
Party: Tory MP for Macclesfield
For: He has talked of entering the race and his colourful style could be a cult success on TV.
Against: The government would be wary of entrusting parliamentary debates to such a maverick character.
