RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans will run to be Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, he has announced.

If successful the Conservative MP would step in to chair debates when Speaker of the House John Bercow is absent, possibly even holding court during Prime Minister’s Questions.

However, he has insisted that it would not mean he would spend less time pursuing issues for his constituents.

A spokesman for Mr Evans said: “In 18 years as a member of parliament, Nigel has been a member of the panel of chairs and has chaired debates before.

“He wanted to offer his services further to the speaker as this parliamentary term will see a huge amount of legislation coming through.”

Following next Tuesday’s Queen’s Speech, when the new government’s aims will be set out, Mr Bercow, a Conservative, will appoint three deputy speakers.

Two of those positions have to be opposition parties meaning Conservative Mr Evans is competing for just one remaining role.

It is understood the new deputy speakers could be in place by next Thursday.

The spokesman added: “Even if elected as a deputy speaker, Nigel would still be incredibly active as a constituent MP.

“He would just be chairing debates and continue to be fully committed to the people of the Ribble Valley.”