The Conservatives are set to break with convention and stand against John Bercow in the next general election, the Telegraph understands.

In what would be a dramatic move, the Tories are lining up a Brexiteer to take on the Commons Speaker in the constituency of Buckingham, in Buckinghamshire.

Convention dictates the major parties avoid contesting the Speaker's seat to give them a clear run at victory and maintain continuity in the Commons chair.

Yet Mr Bercow's frequent subversion of parliamentary precedent has angered many in the Conservative Party - for which he was first elected in 1997.

The Telegraph understands the Tories will now back a Brexit-backing candidate in the constituency at the next election - throwing down the gauntlet for other parties to also contest the seat.