Katy Balls Katy Balls

How long can John Bercow hang on?

How long can John Bercow hang on for as Speaker of the House of Commons? In recent months, he has come under pressure to resign his position amid allegations from former parliamentary staff that he bullied them. Adding to that, today Bercow has found himself the centre of a fresh row over his alleged behaviour.

The Telegraph reports that Bercow called Andrea Leadsom – the Leader of the House – ‘a stupid woman’. Curiously, Bercow has not issued a clear denial – instead the Speaker’s office has acknowledged that ‘strong and differing views were expressed’ in the House of Commons:

‘Wednesday was an unusual and controversial day in how business was handled in the House by the government and some strong and differing views were expressed on all sides on the subject.’

Once upon a time, Bercow promised to quit the post after no longer than nine years.

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