Defiant Bercow refuses to step down

JOHN Bercow refused to step down as Speaker yesterday and told MPs they had missed their chance to get rid of him.

It came despite his pledge in 2009 to leave this summer and a raft of bullying complaints against him, which he denies.

Yesterday, Mr Bercow told the House of Commons that his re-election as Speaker last year had been ‘accepted unanimously’.

one of his critics, Tory MP James Duddridge, said: ‘Given your manifesto commitment to go by June 22, can we have a debate about... who we want to replace you?’ Mr Bercow replied: ‘If [Mr Duddridge] had wanted to oppose [my reelection], he could have done, but I remind the House that he did not.’

His comments may be taken as confirmation he plans to stay until the next election in 2022. Mr Bercow has come under pressure over bullying allegations in recent weeks after his former secretary spoke out. Angus Sinclair, who left his post as Speaker’s secretary in 2010, has said he was the victim of angry outbursts, foul-mouthed tirades and mimicry.

Former Black Rod David Leakey, who retired last year, has said staff were ‘terrified’ of Mr Bercow. Kate Emms, Mr Bercow’s former private secretary, left after claims she was bullied by him.

Theresa May has called for Mr Bercow to be investigated over the claims. He has been reported to the parliamentary standards watchdog.