Bercow avoids bullying inquiry
John Bercow has been saved from an official bullying inquiry after a handful of MPS ignored calls from the Prime Minister that the allegations made against him be “properly investigated”. Last night three MPS rejected an application by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to investigate the Commons Speaker over claims he had breached the members’ code of conduct.
JOHN BERCOW has avoided an official bullying inquiry after a handful of MPS ignored calls from the Prime Minister that the allegations made against him be “properly investigated”.
Last night parliamentarians expressed their anger after three MPS rejected an application by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to investigate the Speaker over claims he had breached the members’ code of conduct.
Kathryn Stone, the Commissioner, had formally requested that she be allowed to delve into the allegations after receiving a written letter of complaint from Andrew Bridgen, the Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire.
Mr Bridgen’s letter, seen by The Daily Telegraph, called on Ms Stone to investigate the allegations made by former employees and a colleague.
She had previously come under pressure to act when Downing Street officials revealed that Theresa May was concerned by the reports and expected to see efforts taken to investigate.
But in a move that has provoked outcry in Westminster, a committee of just five MPS was able to reject her request, meaning there will be no further action taken against Mr Bercow. While two of the MPS on the Committee on Standards – Bridget Phillipson and Gary Streeter – agreed to sanction a probe, Sir Christopher Chope, John Stevenson and Kate Green rejected it.
The decision marks the second occasion that Mr Bercow has swerved an investigation into his conduct.
Last month, an independent inquiry into bullying in Westminster, established in the wake of claims against the Speaker, was limited so as not to include allegations against individuals.
It comes two weeks after Angus Sinclair, Mr Bercow’s former private secretary, broke his silence and the terms of an £86,000 settlement to accuse the Speaker of bullying behaviour.
He was joined by David Leakey, the former Black Rod, who said that Mr Bercow had frequently flown into “intemperate outbursts”.
Separately, friends of Kate Emms, Mr Sinclair’s successor, alleged that the Speaker’s alleged behaviour towards her had resulted in her signing off work sick and later being moved from his office.
The Speaker strenuously denies all allegations levelled against him.
Speaking to The Telegraph last night, James Duddridge MP claimed that the committee’s actions meant that Mr Bercow was now “beyond reproach”, adding that it was “untenable” that they had been unwilling to permit Ms Stone to probe “the veracity of the claims”. Another MP, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The committee for double standards – that’s what this looks like. Their actions have diminished the reputation of Parliament and I have no doubt that we are all diminished in the eyes of the public.”
Meanwhile, others expressed their frustration that nine “lay members” of the committee – who engage in discussions but lack any voting rights – were not able to influence the outcome of the vote.
Sir Kevin Barron, the chairman of the committee, said: “My own personal view is that it would be highly desirable for Parliament to confer full voting rights on lay members.”