James Forsyth James Forsyth

Speaking out against Bercow

The vast majority of Tory MPs do not want John Bercow to be Speaker; I’ve only spoken to one who favours his candidacy. The Tories complain that Labour’s support for Bercow is a plot to appear bi-partisan while actually being crudely political.

Today’s Mail on Sunday editorial is a punchy expression of this viewpoint:

“It appears Gordon Brown and the Labour machine are seriously considering the officially Tory – but increasingly New Labour – MP John Bercow for the Speakership. Leaving aside the weirdly flexible Mr Bercow’s questionable qualifications for the post, this plan is actually disgraceful, and a sign that the Prime Minister and his circle have learned little, or nothing, from the events of the past few weeks.

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