Bercow’s job in doubt after resignations
John Bercow’s future as Commons Speaker was under fresh scrutiny last night as three members of Mrs May’s Government quit his steering committee in protest over his handling of bullying in Parliament. In a move that thrust him back into the spotlight, two ministers and an aide said they could no longer serve under him in the wake of a damning report into Westminster’s toxic culture. Anne Milton, Mims Davies, and Will Quince tendered their resignations.
JOHN BERCOW’S future as Commons Speaker was under fresh scrutiny last night as three members of Theresa May’s Government resigned from his steering committee in protest over his handling of bullying in Parliament.
In a move that thrust him back into the spotlight, two ministers and an aide said they could no longer serve under him in the wake of a damning report into Westminster’s toxic culture.
The news emerged amid speculation that MPS might walk out of a meeting of another committee – the Commons Commission – that will today address the findings of the independent inquiry headed by Dame Laura Cox QC.
Anne Milton, the skills minister, Mims Davies, a whip and Wales minister, and Will Quince, an aide to Gavin Williamson, tendered their resignations from the reference group on representation and inclusion, set up to make Parliament more inclusive.
Last night Mr Quince said that he could not “in good conscience” remain a member of the committee while Mr Bercow was still chairman.
Maria Miller, a fourth member of Mr Bercow’s committee, said she would decide whether to resign based on the outcome of the commission’s meeting today. Ms Miller, along with Jess Phillips, the chairman of the women’s parliamentary Labour Party, have both said that Mr Bercow should quit.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the three MPS acted independently of Government. He said: “There can be no place for bullying or abuse in Westminster or in any workplace.”
Dame Laura’s report suggested that Mr Bercow should step down as Speaker in the wake of a bullying scandal that he denies. She said that the “seismic” changes needed to protect staff were unlikely to be secured with him at the helm. In a move that ratcheted up pressure on him, a Labour spokesman last night said the party backed her proposals, adding that the “unacceptable” culture needed to be “put right as a matter of urgency”.
Dame Laura’s recommendations will today be debated by the Commons Commission, a powerful parliamentary body, that will decide whether or not to adopt them. The Speaker has decided to attend the Commission today as a regular member, despite saying last week that he had decided to recuse himself as chairman. It means that will be able to vote on whether the historical allegations levelled against him should be investigated.
Mr Bercow’s decision to attend has enraged other members of the commission, with one senior MP threatening a walkout in protest, while another is planning to confront him and ask him to leave.
The controversy comes six months after Mr Bercow was accused of bullying Kate Emms and Angus Sinclair, two of his former private secretaries. Mr Bercow has categorically denied the allegations.