Tory MP who called Speaker John Bercow a 'stupid dwarf' wants to be his deputy He was later forced to make an unreserved apology, but Mr Bercow appeared not to be offended. He told MPs that while he had "always been short" he was "entirely untroubled" by the fact. Mr Burns was widely rumoured to be one of the losers in the forthcoming government reshuffle. He was ridiculed as railway minister for opting to take a chauffeur driven car 35 miles from his home in Essex to London rather than the train. The use of the car cost £80,000 a year. He subsequently opted to join commuters on the train in an attempt to limit the damage to his reputation, but was caught taking a government limousine to work again in July. His decision to stand as Deputy Speaker will be welcomed by Tory MPs, who have clashed repeatedly with Mr Bercow in the Commons. It comes after Nigel Evans, the former Deputy Speaker, resigned from the role after being charged with a string of sex offences against seven men. Mr Burns' decision to run as Deputy Speaker was welcomed by David Cameron. The Prime Minister said: "I would like you to know how hugely grateful I am for the loyalty and support you have always given me personally, and your commitment to the Government's priorities. I know that you have much more to give in terms of public service - not least in continuing to represent your constituents in Chelmsford who you have served with such distinction over the past 26 years. I know that I will be able to continue to count on your support, and I hope you will always feel able to raise any issue with me at any time. In his resignation letter, Mr Burns said: "Following our recent conversation, I would like to confirm that I wish to resign from the Government so that I can stand in the forthcoming election for the vacancy to the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. It has been a privilege to serve in your Administration for the past 3 ¼ years and I will be forever grateful to you for giving me that opportunity in both the Departments of Health and Transport. You can rest assured that I will continue to support your leadership of both the Conservative Party and the Government. Ms Dorries said: "I'm going to stand. I have a proven track record of achievement in Parliament. Eleanor Laing, the Conservative MP for Epping Forest, has also comfirmed she would stand for election. She said she was "certainly not" Downing Street's preferred candidate for the job. The vote for the Speaker, which will be open to all MPs, is likely to take place in 10 days time.