The row sparked by Nick Brown about election fraud has now led the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, to express concern.

He told the Commons yesterday that counts should take place on general election night - likely to be Thursday 6 May.

And here is his reasoning: I believe that there could be a threat to the security of the ballot if the count is delayed; and, secondly, it seems to me that on the day the election takes place, it should be possible for the count also to take place so that we get the result speedily.

Frankly, it should not be beyond the wit and sagacity of humankind-or indeed of local authorities-to ensure that that happens.

Number Two Son watched the installation of Mr John Bercow as Speaker of the House of Commons with me on BBC Parliament. I explained that we were watching a historical moment: I told him how the old Speaker was the first one to have been forced out and resigned for hundreds of years; and that this was the first time the Speaker had been elected in a secret ballot.

"And" I said "Mr Bercow is the first Jewish person ever to be Speaker of the House of Commons."

"Jewish" said Number Two with interest and curiosity "Is he beige?"

Lovely isn't it. This has to be one of my favourite expense claims. And it was submitted by none other than the new Commons Speaker John Bercow.

A forensic examination of his office claims has revealed that he claimed £171.65 in May 2007 for a Fuji FinePix Z5fd raspberry and a leather case. The package included £5.70 for delivery costs.

The camera was £131.87 and the case cost £8.51, with VAT and delivering making up the rest. On the manufacturer's website it is described as a "real little winner" - just right for John Bercow then.

Click here for his expenses. The item in question is on page eight.

The election of a new Speaker was billed as ushering in a new period for the Commons. Gone was the rancour surrounding the old Speaker, the suspicion that he favoured his old Labour buddies. Gone the controversy surrounding Michael Martin's handling of the expenses scandal.

Well, Mr Martin has gone. But whether the rancour and suspicion of the Speaker favouring his old Labour business has, is another issue. No matter John Bercow was elected from the Tory benches. He is seen as closer to Labour.

As he was "dragged" to the Speaker's Chair, it was plain that a large section of Tories were not happy. Actually not happy is too mild a phrase. Furious might be better.

David Cameron did his best, but couldn't resist a dig about hoping all of Mr Bercow's old views had gone for the Speaker's neutral status.

A number of Tory MPs refused to stand up as MPs congratulated Mr Bercow's success. Nadine Dorris was one. Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley looked like thunder.
Stories are now circulating a group of Tories will try and dump Mr Bercow after the next general election.

This isn't over. Oh no. Not by a long way.

Just come out of hearing speeches from candidates for Commons Speaker.

And Tory grandee Sir George Young made the best speech by a mile. Funny, calm, authorative and credible.

I also liked Tory MP Richard Shepherd's bid because he strongly supports freedom of information and open Government. That might perhaps be his downfall.

Parmjit Dhanda also made an interesting speech, talking about taking Parliament out on the road. MPs and Ministers would appear in towns and cities across the country - bringing Commons debates to the people.

Former favourite John Bercow's speech fell flat. Really flat. And it was made all the more bizarre by him looking down all the time with a lackey sitting next to him holding his speech.

And ex-Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith kept looking after the flunkey's shoulder to have a peek.

Interestingly, current deputy Speaker Sir Alan Haselhurst got a big cheer, while Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith warmed up and showed he was passionate about Parliament and doing his best by the people.

But there are suggestions he could fall at the first hurdle with MPs voting now. The results will be known within the hour and any candidate with less than 5% will drop out, while anyone getting half of the votes wins.