More trouble for the Speaker today. It’s becoming clear that John Bercow is not just unpopular but unlucky as well. He skipped PMQs to attend the funeral of his predecessor, Michael Martin, who was ousted by a mutiny in 2009. Newer members, perhaps believing that insurrection is the correct way to eject an unwanted speaker, may be plotting Bercow’s dethronement already. Unluckier still, he’s just earned a new tabloid nickname, ‘Bully Bercow’, over allegations of “explosive and intemperate” behaviour toward staff, which he denies and are now under investigation. The phrase has a certain felicitous musicality – like Billy Bunter – that may soften the sting of its literal meaning, but whatever happens to him the tag will stick forever. When elected he promised to serve no more than nine years in the chair, and this self-imposed deadline expires within a few weeks. Will he withdraw quietly or try to fight off his enemies?
It didn’t help that his replacement today, Lindsay Hoyle, delivered a masterclass in dextrous chairmanship.
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