Apologise for stupid woman jibe, MPs tell Mr Speaker
JOHN BERCOW faces a pincer movement from female MPs who are demanding he apologise over his alleged ‘ stupid woman’ jibe at a senior Tory Minister.
The Commons Speaker was challenged by women from both Labour and Tory benches to say sorry for the remark. Mr Bercow has so far refused to deny he branded Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom a ‘stupid woman’ and ‘useless’ last week.
The row deepened yesterday amid reports that he called Ms Leadsom a liar when she privately challenged him over the alleged insult.
And last night, senior Labour MP Kate Hoey and Tory Vicky Ford both called on the Speaker to apologise.
Ms Hoey, a former Labour Minister, contrasted Mr Bercow’s behaviour with that of Betty Boothroyd, the only woman who has so far been Speaker. She said: ‘If the Speaker did say this, it is totally unacceptable and there is no excuse. ‘He must apologise tomorrow. ‘In order to regain the full confidence of the Commons, a Speaker must adhere to the highest standards of behaviour. I cannot i magine Speaker Boothroyd ever demeaning the office in such a way.’
Ms Ford, who serves on t he Commons Women and Equalities Committee, said the language Mr Bercow was accused of was ‘a very derogatory and a very sexist phrase’. She said: ‘If he made a slip, he needs to say sorry and move on.’
Mr Bercow’s alleged remarks came last week after he sternly warned the Tory front bench – including Ms Leadsom – not to abuse Commons procedures.
Challenged over the comments, his office would only say last week that it had been an ‘unusual and controversial day… and some strong and differing views were expressed’.
Asked whether he had called Ms Leadsom a liar, Mr Bercow’s office said: ‘There was a brief private conversation at the [Speaker’s] Chair, which the Speaker wouldn’t dream of disclosing.’
Mr Bercow and Ms Leadsom both declined to comment.