MPs block Bercow bullying probe

MPS sparked fury last night after voting to block an inquiry into John Bercow’s conduct.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Hudson, had asked for permission to investigate allegations of bullying against the Commons Speaker.

But the Commons committee on standards voted to reject her plea, because the claims against him are more than seven years old.

Members of the public on the committee were barred from voting under Commons rules. One senior MP said: ‘The standards committee has let everyone down badly.’

The Speaker faced calls to quit after Angus Sinclair, his former private secretary, accused him of bullying. He said he was forced to quit in 2010 with an £86,2 0 pay-off on condition he did not make any complaints. Mr Bercow denies the claims.

David Leakey, who retired in 2017 from the parliamentary role of Black Rod, claimed people were ‘terrified’ of Mr Bercow and that he was ‘unworthy’ of public office.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen referred Mr Sinclair’s case to the Commissioner for Standards. The standards committee agreed there were grounds for an investigation. But they voted three to two to block the probe. In 2009, Mr Bercow promised not to stay on as Speaker for more than nine years – a deadline he will reach on June 22.

James Duddridge, a former Tory minister, said: ‘It brings shame on the House.’