Paphos Life

Just reading on BBC website that he will stand down.
John Bercow says he will stand down as Commons Speaker and MP at the next election or on 31 October, whichever comes first.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Bercow said his 10-year "tenure" was nearing its end and it had been the "greatest honour and privilege" to serve.
If there was no early election, he said 31 October would be the "least disruptive and most democratic" date.
The ex-Tory MP succeeded the late Michael Martin as Speaker in 2009.
He has faced fierce criticism from Brexiteers who have questioned his impartiality on the issue of Europe.
In a break from normal convention, Mr Bercow was facing a challenge from the Conservatives in his Buckingham constituency at the next election - whenever it is called.
Mr Bercow received a standing ovation from the Labour benches after announcing his imminent departure, but most Tory MPs stayed in their seats.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led tributes, saying the Speaker had stood up for and promoted democracy, adding that the "choice and timing" of his exit date was "incomparable".
For the government, Michael Gove said his determination to give MPs increased opportunities to hold the government to account were "in the best tradition of Speakers".
When he was first elected, Mr Bercow said he intended to serve no more than nine years in the job.
The Speaker is elected by all MPs in the House by secret ballot.
By tradition, the role alternates between the two major parties. If this is maintained, the next Speaker will be a Labour MP.
Potential successors to Mr Bercow include Commons deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader and the longest-serving female MP in the House.

According to the news Bercow has given Blojo a bloody nose. An anti no deal Brexit parliament will be able to choose who will replace him and normally tradtion would dictate the new Speaker will be a Labour MP but as the present Tory government is "untrustworthy" the parliament will vote in who they want to be Speaker rather than the present No Deal Brexit government.

Jim

Bojo's nose must be a bit pulped by now.

Anybody fancy Diane Abbot for speaker?

Bercow in my opinion is an odious little man, who has used his position, for party politics, not what he is there for, quite like the idea of Diane Abbot as Dominic mentioned, It would never be a dull moment.

Best news of the year. He blighted the House Of Common.

No way was he independent.

The MPs who made 1.5 hrs of oleaginous speeches praising him was offensive.

Good riddens to him.

Bercow was, by far, the best Speaker in living memory. He got rid of many of the 18th-century trappings surrounding parliament whilst maintaining dignity, a tight-rope walk. Equally a tight-rope was maintaining fairness to the Opposition Members, remembering he was Conservative in his private feelings and a member of the Tories for a dozen years from election to becoming Speaker. Above all, he has a sense of humour, so sadly lacking in most MPs. And, yes, it got him into trouble from time to time but, at least, he was human rather than most of his predecessors who were mostly sitting on the chair like stuffed sheep.

Devil wrote: ↑Tue Sep 10, 2019 10:50 am Bercow was, by far, the best Speaker in living memory. He got rid of many of the 18th-century trappings surrounding parliament whilst maintaining dignity, a tight-rope walk. Equally a tight-rope was maintaining fairness to the Opposition Members, remembering he was Conservative in his private feelings and a member of the Tories for a dozen years from election to becoming Speaker. Above all, he has a sense of humour, so sadly lacking in most MPs. And, yes, it got him into trouble from time to time but, at least, he was human rather than most of his predecessors who were mostly sitting on the chair like stuffed sheep.

He went against everything a good impartial speaker should be, It wouldn't surprise me if he kept a mirror on his lap. everything was about him, even his cringey resignation speech,

Personally, I don’t think that Bercow was that good, if compared with Betty Boothroyd. She was an amazing woman, her methods when dealing with MP’s and keeping order amongst then were exemplary, she was witty, usually good humoured, but authoritative.. Yet everyone seemed to like and respect her.

Dee

Agreed Dee, she was the best in a while. Since her, things have gone downhill, with Michael Martin and now Bercow. I guess the only way is up!

I read today that Harriet Harmen is considering standing.
I like Bercow, some of his one liners and put downs were excellent.
He's kept control during a very difficult period and will be a hard act to follow.

Jim

Personally, I don’t think that Bercow was that good, if compared with Betty Boothroyd. She was an amazing woman, her methods when dealing with MP’s and keeping order amongst then were exemplary, she was witty, usually good humoured, but authoritative.. Yet everyone seemed to like and respect her.

Dee

Good riddance he leans so far to the left he needs that box around him to stay upright.