Speaker material

sir – In the midst of the speculation on the future of the Commons Speaker (Letters, October 19), it may be worth recalling the view of the former prime minister Lord Rosebery on the post:

“There is much exaggeration about the attainments requisite for a Speaker. All Speakers are highly successful, all Speakers are deeply regretted and are generally announced to be irreplaceable. But a Speaker is soon found, almost invariably among the mediocrities of the House.” DR Thorpe

Banbury, Oxfordshire

sir – Perhaps John Bercow should take his cue from the Bob Dylan/manfred Mann song, If You Gotta Go, Go Now. Paul Strong

West Lindsey, Lincolnshire