Speaker’s behaviour described as ‘ unworthy’ and ‘ intolerable’
A former senior official at the Houses of Parliament has branded the behaviour of Commons Speaker John Bercow “unworthy of someone in such public office”.
David Leakey, who retired in 2017 after seven years as Black Rod, told the Politics Home website that he had personally experienced “intolerable” rudeness from the Speaker.
His comments increase the pressure on Mr Bercow, who is already facing bullying allegations from two former members of his office staff, all of which he strenuously denies.
Downing Street said Prime Minister Theresa May regards the allegations as “concerning” and thinks they should be properly investigated.
A spokesman for Mr Bercow’s office acknowledged the Speaker had fundamental disagreements in the past with Mr Leakey, who was responsible as Black Rod for maintaining order in the House of Lords, but denied the allegations made by him.
“Mr Speaker refutes all the allegations level led by Mr Leakey,” said the spokesman.
“John B er cow and David Lea key are two very different people with very different backgrounds, perspectives and ideas. They had fundamental disagreements in 2011 and 2012, but interacted adequately after that.”
Mr Leakey said that the issue risked bringing Parliament into disrepute unless it was rigorously investigated.