In Federal politics, Peter Slipper’s chances of returning as the Speaker of Parliament after standing aside, are fading fast.

Independent MP Tony Windsor today joined a growing chorus, suggesting Mr Slipper should not come back until ALL the allegations against him are resolved.

Stan Uzunov reports.

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Tony Windsor today delivered a crucial blow to Peter Slipper’s chances of regaining the speaker’s chair.

Mr Windsor joins cross-bench colleagues Andrew Wilkie and Rob Oakeshott, as well as the coalition, in opposing Mr Slipper’s return.

Slipper’s chances of resuming the chair continue to fall away as he loses critical votes to avoid a no-confidence declaration.

The Government has argued he should be able to retake the chair if he is cleared of any criminal allegations even if sexual harassment claims against him are unresolved.

But the Government is now being forced to evaluate its stance, with the option of urging Mr Slipper to quit the post entirely.

Federal Liberal MP and long-serving backbencher Patrick Secker has denied he is considering a bid to replace Mr Slipper in the speaker’s chair.

In the meantime Labor’s Anna Burke will take the Speaker’s chair, leaving the Government with just a one-vote majority in the Lower House.

The Federal Government has now ruled out paying Mr Slipper’s legal costs.

Stan Uzunov, QUT News.