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23/06/2009
Mixed Response To New Speaker Bercow
New Commons Speaker John Bercow has already signalled a new era for the lofty role, by insisted he will not wear the full traditional dress of office.
There has been a mixed response to Mr Bercow's election, after he beat off several high-profile names for the job yesterday.
The former right-wing Tory, and one-time Monday Club member, has annoyed party colleagues in recent times with his increasingly liberal views.
His progressive thinking towards Gay Rights was thought by many to be a clear indication of his intentions to defect to the Labour party, of which his wife Sally is a member.
However, Mr Bercow has remained within the ranks of the Conservative party, having previously stood in the Shadow Cabinet.
Commentators have suggested his close links with Labour policy and Tory grounding may have secured his election.
Mr Bercow, the first Jewish speaker, today said he would not wear the customary outfit usually donned by the Commons 'ringmaster'.
He insisted he would wear a suit and tie with "simple" robes, and would not be placing a wig on his head - a practice that has been redundant since Betty Boothroyd took office.
Speaker Bercow also said that he would not be claiming the second-home allowance, a luxury enjoyed by his predecessor Micheal Martin - despite living in lavish grace-and-favour apartment in the Palace of Westminster.
Last night Mr Bercow was "dragged" to the chair after seeing off his main rival, Sir George Young, by a margin of 322 MPs to 271 in the third round of voting.
The Buckingham MP later told fellow parliamentarians: "We do have to reform but I just want to say that I continue to believe that the vast majority of members of this House are upright, decent, honourable people who have come into politics, not to feather their nests, but because they have heeded the call of public service."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Tory leader David Cameron and leader of the Lib Dems Nick Clegg all welcomed Mr Bercow's appointment.
(PR/JM)
There has been a mixed response to Mr Bercow's election, after he beat off several high-profile names for the job yesterday.
The former right-wing Tory, and one-time Monday Club member, has annoyed party colleagues in recent times with his increasingly liberal views.
His progressive thinking towards Gay Rights was thought by many to be a clear indication of his intentions to defect to the Labour party, of which his wife Sally is a member.
However, Mr Bercow has remained within the ranks of the Conservative party, having previously stood in the Shadow Cabinet.
Commentators have suggested his close links with Labour policy and Tory grounding may have secured his election.
Mr Bercow, the first Jewish speaker, today said he would not wear the customary outfit usually donned by the Commons 'ringmaster'.
He insisted he would wear a suit and tie with "simple" robes, and would not be placing a wig on his head - a practice that has been redundant since Betty Boothroyd took office.
Speaker Bercow also said that he would not be claiming the second-home allowance, a luxury enjoyed by his predecessor Micheal Martin - despite living in lavish grace-and-favour apartment in the Palace of Westminster.
Last night Mr Bercow was "dragged" to the chair after seeing off his main rival, Sir George Young, by a margin of 322 MPs to 271 in the third round of voting.
The Buckingham MP later told fellow parliamentarians: "We do have to reform but I just want to say that I continue to believe that the vast majority of members of this House are upright, decent, honourable people who have come into politics, not to feather their nests, but because they have heeded the call of public service."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Tory leader David Cameron and leader of the Lib Dems Nick Clegg all welcomed Mr Bercow's appointment.
(PR/JM)
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22 June 2009
Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election
MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips. It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett. Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.
Alleged Plots Mar Speaker Election
MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips. It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett. Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.
14 September 2012
Speaker John Bercow Hangs On To Million Pound Pension
Commons Speaker John Bercow has said that he will keep his £1m pension when he retires at 65. He becomes one of the three "great offices of state" to keep a gold-plated pension.
Speaker John Bercow Hangs On To Million Pound Pension
Commons Speaker John Bercow has said that he will keep his £1m pension when he retires at 65. He becomes one of the three "great offices of state" to keep a gold-plated pension.
24 May 2013
High Court Rules Sally Bercow's Lord McAlpine Tweet Libellous
The High Court has ruled that a tweet by Sally Bercow about Lord McAlpine was libellous. Mrs Bercow, the wife of the Commons Speaker, said she was "disappointed" by the ruling. The message was published on 4th November last year amid a Newsnight broadcast. She tweeted: “Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*.
High Court Rules Sally Bercow's Lord McAlpine Tweet Libellous
The High Court has ruled that a tweet by Sally Bercow about Lord McAlpine was libellous. Mrs Bercow, the wife of the Commons Speaker, said she was "disappointed" by the ruling. The message was published on 4th November last year amid a Newsnight broadcast. She tweeted: “Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*.
25 September 2009
Cut Wesminster Summer Break: Bercow
Summer recess at Westminster should be cut, the Commons Speaker has said. John Bercow said he recognised voters' disbelief at the current 12 week break. MPs dissolve from Parliament between mid-July until October, but the Speaker said he believes this period is unnecessary.
Cut Wesminster Summer Break: Bercow
Summer recess at Westminster should be cut, the Commons Speaker has said. John Bercow said he recognised voters' disbelief at the current 12 week break. MPs dissolve from Parliament between mid-July until October, but the Speaker said he believes this period is unnecessary.
02 July 2009
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
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