‘No, he’s dead’: Political expert nominates the late Don Randall for Speaker

HE was asked to nominate the next parliamentary Speaker to replace Bronwyn Bishop, but political expert’s response on live TV was super awkward.

A POLITICAL expert has embarrassed himself and delivered some deliciously awkward television this morning by naming a dead MP as contender to take the Speaker’s chair.

With former speaker Bronwyn Bishop handing in her resignation over a travel expenses scandal, the parliamentary position has been left vacant and there are a few contenders for the job.

Unfortunately, when asked on ABC News Breakfast, Deakin University lecturer Dr Scott Burchill threw up an awkward suggestion.

As hosts Michael Rowland and Virginia Trioli were discussing the likelihood of a Liberal MP being chosen, Burchill came in with: “Don Randall?”

Not going to be speaker ... Don Randall passed away last month.

“No, he’s dead,” Rowland was quick to point out.

The Western Australian MP died suddenly less than two weeks ago.

After some uncomfortable backtracking the pair agreed that the academic had meant to nominate Victorian MP Tony Smith.

“Sorry, not Don Randall, no,” he said.

“Tony Smith, from Victoria. Sorry, wrong name, sorry.”

Dr Scott Burchill recovered from the gaffe ... sort of.

The names don’t really sound much alike, but Rowland seemed to buy it.

Dr Burchill is a senior lecturer in international relations who regularly appears as a media commentator.