23 June 2009

Mixed Response To New Speaker Bercow

New Commons Speaker John Bercow has already signalled a new era for the lofty role, by insisted he will not wear the full traditional dress of office.

There has been a mixed response to Mr Bercow's election, after he beat off several high-profile names for the job yesterday.

The former right-wing Tory, and one-time Monday Club member, has annoyed party colleagues in recent times with his increasingly liberal views.

His progressive thinking towards Gay Rights was thought by many to be a clear indication of his intentions to defect to the Labour party, of which his wife Sally is a member.

However, Mr Bercow has remained within the ranks of the Conservative party, having previously stood in the Shadow Cabinet.

Commentators have suggested his close links with Labour policy and Tory grounding may have secured his election.

Mr Bercow, the first Jewish speaker, today said he would not wear the customary outfit usually donned by the Commons 'ringmaster'.

He insisted he would wear a suit and tie with "simple" robes, and would not be placing a wig on his head - a practice that has been redundant since Betty Boothroyd took office.

Speaker Bercow also said that he would not be claiming the second-home allowance, a luxury enjoyed by his predecessor Micheal Martin - despite living in lavish grace-and-favour apartment in the Palace of Westminster.

Last night Mr Bercow was "dragged" to the chair after seeing off his main rival, Sir George Young, by a margin of 322 MPs to 271 in the third round of voting.

The Buckingham MP later told fellow parliamentarians: "We do have to reform but I just want to say that I continue to believe that the vast majority of members of this House are upright, decent, honourable people who have come into politics, not to feather their nests, but because they have heeded the call of public service."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Tory leader David Cameron and leader of the Lib Dems Nick Clegg all welcomed Mr Bercow's appointment.

(PR/JM)