MPs quit Commons group in protest at ‘bullying’ Bercow
THREE Tory members of a Commons committee quit yesterday because it is chaired by John Bercow. Tory ministers Anne Milton and Mims Davies and ministerial aide Will Quince resigned following a damning report into bullying and sexual harassment in Westminster.
Their resignations increased the pressure on Commons speaker Mr Bercow to step down. The inquiry, by Dame Laura Cox, called for a change in Parliament’s leadership, which includes Mr Bercow, blaming a culture of ‘deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence’ which allowed abuse to ‘thrive’.
In a further blow to Mr Bercow, who is the subject of bullying complaints which he denies, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom is expected to recommend that Parliament investigate historical allegations.
It is understood she will also demand a review of the Standards Committee, which controversially ruled against investigating bullying allegations against Mr Bercow on the grounds that the allegations dated back more than seven years.
‘I felt in a difficult position’
Mrs Leadsom will today call for an independent review of the membership and role of the House of Commons Commission. It also chaired by the Speaker, but today’s meeting will be overseen by an independent member.
In May Mr Bercow allegedly called Mrs Leadsom a ‘stupid woman’ in a muttered aside in the Commons. He later admitted calling her ‘stupid’ but refused to apologise.
Yesterday, Mrs Milton, Mrs Davies and Mr Quince quit the Commons Representation and Inclusion Committee, which was set up to make Parliament more inclusive and is chaired by Mr Bercow. The sole remaining Conservative on the committee, Maria Miller – who has called for Mr Bercow to quit – said last night that she would consider her position if Dame Laura’s recommendations are not adopted in full.
Yesterday, Mr Quince tweeted: ‘I cannot in good conscience remain as a member of the group while John Bercow is chair.
‘As much as I personally like John I have reluctantly reached the conclusion that he is not the right person to resolve the numerous and serious issues raised.’
In a statement Mrs Davies said: ‘I felt that remaining on this currently did not sit right following Dame Laura Cox’s report, and as this committee is chaired by the Speaker, I sadly felt in a difficult position. I did not take this decision lightly.’
In a statement yesterday, Mr Bercow said he would consider the future of the group following a meeting about Dame Laura’s report, which will take place today.
‘In the spirit of an independent approach, the Speaker feels it is right to reflect on the best means of tackling these cultural issues via the House’s response to the Cox report,’ his spokesman said.
During a debate on Dame Laura’s report in Parliament, Mr Bercow also faced an onslaught from Tory MPs who called for him to step down. The Speaker’s former private secretary, Angus Sinclair, has alleged that Mr Bercow shouted and swore at him, and attempted to physically intimidate him – claims he strongly denied.