Bercow shames Parliament. He MUST go

OVER the next few weeks, Parliament faces a crisis as Brexit reaches its climax. At such a moment, the Commons needs an impartial Speaker who commands the respect of MPs and also the country at large.

Instead it has got John Bercow. Bercow’s role ought to be to stand above politics and ensure fairness for all sides. Sadly, he makes no secret of his sympathies for Remain.

This is a disaster. Over the next few weeks, Brexiteers fear they may find themselves in the same situation as a football team where the referee is biased towards the other side.

Not merely that — he also stands accused of protecting MPs who face allegations they have abused their positions.

Disgracefully, he’s used the powers of the Speaker’s Chair to block a BBC freedom of information request concerning alleged breaches of the rules by Labour MP Keith Vaz. Perhaps protecting MPs from legitimate investigation earns him popularity among members of the House. But it’s a disaster for Parliament.

It’s almost ten years since Speaker Martin was obliged to resign in the wake of the Commons expenses scandal.

His successor, John Bercow, was granted a heaven-sent opportunity to earn himself his place in history by cleaning up the Commons.

Bercow’s reign as speaker shames Parliament: he should go now.