But the opportunity exists for the new Speaker to make a fresh start in rebuilding public confidence in the institution of Parliament and the House of Commons in particular.
Precedent counts for much in the traditions of the House of Commons. But these are unprecedented times, with the effective eviction of the old Speaker for the first time in 300 years.
This means he or she will have an unprecedented mandate for change. The new Speaker will have the respect and authority to suggest reforms to the way the House of Commons functions unthinkable only two months ago.
I spent a couple of days in Kiev in the Ukraine last week with a parliamentary delegation at the launch of a programme of parliamentary strengthening to help build democracy in this strategically critical former soviet satellite state.
While you might think it ironic that British MPs should be trying to teach other countries' parliamentarians how to be more transparent, during last week of all weeks, my hosts found the whole debate in Britain almost trivial. Ukrainian MPs are alleged to buy their place on a party list for millions of dollars to get elected under the proportional voting system used in national elections.
Our country is widely perceived around the world to have one of the strongest traditions of democracy. We now have the chance for the new Speaker to lead by example and help, alongside MPs, to reform Parliament to restore the perception of British politicians amongst our own people.
I sincerely hope whoever is elected today takes up that opportunity wholeheartedly.
