Speaker Bercow

Congratulations go to John Bercow, the Conservative MP who has been elected speaker to the House of Commons. Looking at his election from the outside, his appointment does seem rather incredible. On Radio 5 Live this morning, he was described as being the most divisive of the ten candidates for the job and was said to be disliked on both a political and personal level by many within his own party. 

So how did he become speaker? Well, it appears that he won through the votes of Labour MPs. Why would they vote for a Tory? The most dominant suggestion that I have heard is that they did so out of spite towards the Conservative Party, which they blame for the downfall of Michael Martin, the previous speaker. In short, at a time when they should have been looking for a consensus candidate who has the ability to pull Parliament out of the mire it has put itself in, Labour MPs have decided to play party politics. I hope they are pleased with themselves.

As for Bercow, he has a lot to do to prove to his detractors that he is worthy of his office. He gave a good victory speech. If he is as good a speaker, I am sure he will do well. For Parliament's sake, I hope so.