PM:Bercow should face probe over ‘useless’ jibe at Leadsom
THERESA May piled further pressure on John Bercow yesterday over his alleged description of a Cabinet minister as a ‘useless stupid woman’.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said the alleged remarks, claimed to have been directed at Andrea Leadsom, were ‘unacceptable’ and should be investigated.
The Speaker is said to have made the comments in a muttered aside after a tirade in which he berated the Commons Leader for two-and-a-half minutes on government business, according to MPs.
No 10 said yesterday: ‘We have seen the alleged remarks. Clearly the Prime Minister thinks they are unacceptable. If an official complaint is made it should be properly investigated.’
A Commons source said there were ‘no plans’ for Mrs Leadsom to complain ‘at the moment’.
But an ally of Mr Bercow also weighed in, urging the Speaker to apologise to Mrs Leadsom and to the Commons.
Sir Peter Bottomley told the Evening Standard: ‘Were I to be in a situation where there were credible reports I had said something unwise, indelicate or inappropriate, I expect the Speaker would advise me to say sorry without delay.’ He