Daily Express

Bercow ‘created a climate of fear’

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REFORM of Parliament’s bullying complaints system could pave the way for allegation­s about the behaviour of the Commons Speaker John Bercow to be investigat­ed.

An independen­t inquiry has called for rules stopping grievances dating back to before June 2017 to be scrapped.

Mr Bercow’s former private secretary told BBC Two’s Newsnight last year that he was bullied by the Speaker.

Angus Sinclair said he faced angry outbursts and was mimicked by Mr Bercow, who also smashed a phone on his desk.

Mr Sinclair said he was paid £86,250 in 2010 in an exit deal that included a non-disclosure agreement.

David Leakey, a former Black Rod in charge of keeping order in the Lords, has said Mr Bercow created a climate of “fear and intimidati­on” and he had seen “bullying and unreasonab­le” behaviour.

Mr Bercow has always denied such accusation­s.

 ??  ?? Accused… John Bercow
Accused… John Bercow

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