Bercow could be denied peerage as punishment for Commons ‘bias’

‘I can’t imagine we would look favourably on those who’ve cheated centuries of procedure’

JOHN BERCOW could be the first Speaker in 230 years not to be given a peerage after ministers urged Theresa May to block the honour as a punishment for his Brexit “bias”.

Mr Bercow ignored parliamentary precedent last week to change Commons convention and effectively allow MPS to control the Brexit process.

The move was greeted with fury on the Government benches, and led to claims that Mr Bercow was abusing his position to promote his own personal stance on EU withdrawal.

The former Conservative MP has for years been accused of favouring Labour MPS in debates and those who want to stop Brexit. Now ministers are urging Mrs May to block the peerage that would traditionally be due to him when he stands down from his role.

A Cabinet source quoted by The Times said: “It’s a good job that peerage nominations are in our gift – I’m sure we’ll be thinking carefully about which individuals we would choose to elevate to the House of Lords. I can’t imagine we would look favourably on those who’ve cheated centuries of procedure.”

Referring to Mr Bercow’s decision to ignore precedent, another senior Tory said: “Precedents of Speakers getting peerages don’t last forever either.”

♦ Jacob Rees-mogg, the leading Brexiteer, is to present a Friday night phonein show on LBC. He will take to the airwaves at 6pm tonight for his first hour-long outing on Britain’s biggest commercial speech radio station.

Mr Rees-mogg said: “To present a weekly show on LBC at such a crucial time for our nation is an unmissable opportunity.”