LONDON - BRITAIN'S House of Commons elected a new speaker Monday after the previous holder became the first to be forced out in 300 years amid an expenses scandal that has rocked British politics.

John Bercow, a member of the main opposition Conservative party, was elected by a majority of 51 to be the lower house of parliament's public face, a position with a 600-year history rich in tradition and pageantry.

Mr Bercow, 46, beat fellow Conservative lawmaker Sir George Young by 322 votes to 271 in the third round of a secret ballot, and immediately took to the speaker's chair promising a new start.

His predecessor, Michael Martin, last month was the first speaker forced to step down since 1695 as a scandal erupted over lawmakers' lavish expenses, provoking widespread public anger and demands for parliamentary reform.

When Mr Bercow put his case for the job earlier in the day, he had described himself as the 'clean-break' candidate, who was ready to bring about change.

He warned that parliament must reform if it wants to be taken seriously after revelations that members of parliament had claimed taxpayers' money to furnish second homes with everything from plasma televisions to a duck island.

'Unless and until we can move the debate on from sleaze and second homes to the future of this house, we shall remain in deep trouble. A legislature cannot be effective while suffering from public scorn,' Mr Bercow said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed Mr Bercow's election, which must now be officially confirmed by the queen, saying that 'undoubtedly the road ahead will not be easy' but the Commons was on the 'path to renewal'.

'You will bring a strength of character and purpose to this house,' Mr Brown said. -- AFP