Eight of the candidates for deputy Speaker took part in a hustings this afternoon.
The event was organised by Dods Parliamentary Communications, in association with The House Magazine and ePolitix.com.
The hustings was hosted by Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee and Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale.
More than two dozen of his colleagues from all parties attended the hustings.
Brady reminded the audience that as the role of deputy Speaker is to support the Speaker, the candidates would speak about their personal qualities, rather than present a manifesto.
MPs will vote tomorrow in a secret ballot for the three deputy Speaker roles, formally known as the chairman, first deputy chairman and second deputy chairman of ways and means.
The ballot will be adjusted to ensure that at least one woman is elected - two of the candidates must be from the opposition benches.
Nigel Evans (Con, Ribble Valley) was the first to address the hustings.
He said he had decided to stand prior to the general election, and in his 18 years as an MP he has worked closely with colleagues from all parties.
Evans said his work with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the British Youth Council, and his support of the Speaker's desire for the Commons to become more relevant, are good reasons to support his candidacy.
Dawn Primarolo (Lab, Bristol South) said that since her election in 1987, she has served as a backbencher, a shadow spokesperson and a government minister. She said she was asked by colleagues to stand, and joked that her ability to stay awake would stand her in good stead for the role.
Lindsay Hoyle (Lab, Chorley) said he was a proud Lancastrian and a well-known voice for backbenchers. He said the importance of the chamber must not be under-estimated, and the House must be inclusive.
Hoyle said that if elected his door would always be open to MPs new and old.
Marsha Singh (Lab, Bradford West) told the hustings he came to the UK from India at the age of two, and has wide experience outside of politics.
He said the House has not reached out sufficiently to all communities and his election would send a signal to the world that the UK is really a multi-cultural society.
Tom Clarke (Lab, Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) said he is "heart and soul" a backbencher and he supports a progressive, transparent and forward-looking Commons.
He also pledged to be available to MPs for advice and suggested that the deputy Speaker set up a regular surgery for colleagues.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Con, The Cotswolds) also said that he would be approachable if elected and told the hustings he has always had friends on both sides of the House.
He said he remembers colleagues' backgrounds and interests, which will allow him to choose more effectively who should speak. Firmness and fairness would be his motto, he added.
George Howarth (Lab, Knowsley) said every MP is equal and every one has strong views and a desire to serve their constituents.
He said his experience in government and at council level means he is used to deputising, and his work on the intelligence and security committee is demonstrative of his ability to work in a cross-party fashion.
Finally, Roger Gale (Con, North Thanet) said he would be fair, impartial, and available to colleagues if elected. He stressed the importance of making sure that backbenchers are heard.
Gale said the last parliament was an unhappy place that brought low the reputation of MPs and the Commons much bounce back and become an "honourable and happy" place once again.
Not all the candidates attended the hustings.
