Minister hints he supports attempt to remove Speaker

A CONSERVATIVE minister has become the first member of the Government to publicly suggest he supports an effort to force John Bercow to stand down as Speaker of the Commons.

Greg Hands, a trade minister, highlighted a message on Twitter from a reality television star calling for Mr Bercow to quit and for a new “impartial” speaker to replace him.

He declined to comment on his views but colleagues said they expect him to support a vote of no confidence.

Mr Bercow is facing calls to resign following his attack on Donald Trump and revelations about his strident antiBrexit views.

Georgia Toffolo, a star of Made in Chelsea, said: “John Bercow: enough is enough. The Commons needs a new impartial Speaker”. Mr Hands replied to the message by saying he looks forward to seeing Ms Toffolo, one of his constituents, in the Commons in coming weeks.

James Duddridge, a Tory MP who tabled a motion of no confidence in Mr Bercow, said: “I would eat my hat and Greg’s hat if he didn’t support a vote of no confidence. He is probably biting his arm off to stop himself diving in. I expect more Government ministers to break ranks as this story continues.”

Mr Duddridge believes he already has the support of more than 20 MPs for his early day motion expressing no confidence in Mr Bercow.

He believes that if the issue is put to a vote he will be able to count on the support of more than a dozen Cabinet ministers.