Bercow kicks off his next round of freebies

WHEN it comes to hoovering up freebies, House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has few equals.

After regularly accepting complimentary tickets to sporting events from boxing promoter Frank Warren, he has now taken a pair for a football match in August from Akosua Essien, wife of former Chelsea star Michael Essien.

According to the register of members’ interests, Bercow accepted two tickets ‘with associated hospitality’ worth £330. Akosua’s not short of cash: she bought bankrupt Italian club Como last year.