How do we solve a problem like Bercow!

Posted 15 Jan 2011 by Walaa Idris

Mark Pritchard MP

I know sometime last year I promised that I shall not indulge in criticising the Commons’ Speaker any more. First because I won’t be saying much new that haven’t already been said by many other, and second, what’s the point, the man is on mission to single handily self destruct and go down in history as the most dislike Speaker!

However, after the latest incident, where Speaker Bercow provoked Mark Pritchard MP to the point of fury – forcing Mr Pritchard to publicly use unsavoury colourful language, in the house – I feel maybe I can renege on my promise.

Two reasons forced me to go back on my word. One, I watched with dismay last year the exchange that took place between the Speaker and the Chief Whip, Patrick McLoughlin and was horrified at the sadistic manner by which John Bercow seemed to relish that exchange. Two, I know Mark and I like him, he is witty, and in dealing with him I found him courteous and tenacious, for him to use such language publicly, he must have been pushed and pushed very far.

Which brings me to my question? Why is John Bercow so bent on angering the Tories and what does he gain from it. If its attention he craves, the office he holds should satisfy that. If it’s the opposition’s adoration, he has that by the truck loads. So what is it that he wants to achieve, what’s missing that can only be satisfied with deliberately and continuously aggravating Tory MPs!?

Over to you.

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4 comment(s)

Brian Moylan

Brian Moylan
15 Jan, 14:53

In the reaction, I can’t help thinking of Alf Garnett “Oh now look what you made me do!”

I am sure the Tories will find a way to hammer John Bercow for allowing a Tory MP to get himself so wound up that they make a fool of themselves, though.

Matthew Taylor (MTPT)

Matthew Taylor (MTPT)
15 Jan, 16:38

I’m with Douglas Carswell on this, Walaa; Bercow’s doing a much better job than any of his recent predecessors, and the Tory opposition to him is, at best, failing to reflect this. At worst, people who’ve liked Bercow are behaving immaturely and risking serious damage to the party for the sake of their personal dislike.

Here’s Carswell’s take: http://www.talkcarswell.com/show.aspx?id=1759

Edward Green

Edward Green
15 Jan, 17:00

Is he worse than Michaael Martin?

David Morris

David Morris
17 Jan, 12:11

People seem to forget who we had before Bercow. Michael Martin was the worst Speaker that I’d ever seen (having said that, the first one I remember is Bernard Wetherill, so I haven’t seen that many).

Whilst Bercow probably shouldn’t have used that language in the House whilst responding to the Chief Whip, Patrick McGloughlin shouldn’t have shouted in the way that he did. It’s disrespectful to Bercow and the role of Speaker.

I don’t necessarily think he has a bias against the Tories. I’ve heard some say it’s more like a bias against front benchers. He grants plenty of urgent questions, which takes up the time of many ministers (more urgent questions are a good thing).

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