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John Bercow is a ‘professional attention seeker’ says guest
The former speaker, who often clashed with Tory MPs, attempted to secure a peerage by writing a reference to Mr Corbyn’s office. Mr Bercow, who has now admitted his stance against Brexit, approached the former Labour leader after being snubbed for a peerage by No10. After being snubbed by Downing Street, Mr Bercow approached Labour ahead of the 2019 general election.
Following the meeting, Mr Bercow presented the former Labour leader’s office with an outline of his previous experience.
The self-written reference showcased Mr Bercow’s multiple shadow ministerial roles and time on Lambeth council.
A leaked email, reported by The Times, revealed Mr Bercow thanking the former Labour leader and his “willingness to nominate” the former Speaker.
Although the request was blocked following an investigation into allegations surrounding bullying, one source claimed the peerage was a “reward” for his support for the Labour leader.
Brexit news: Mr Bercow allegedly lobbied the former Labour leader (Image: PA/GETTY)
Brexit news: The former Speaker allegedly met with Labour officials in 2019 (Image: GETTY)
The source, close to the peerage talks, also revealed the former speaker had developed a close relationship with Mr Corbyn’s aides.
Mr Bercow was one of three peerage nominations which were later rejected amid concerns of bullying – which he has denied.
Former deputy Mr Corbyn, Tom Watson and former executive director of the Labour Party’s Leader’s Office, Karie Murphy both had their nominations blocked.
Announcing his defection to the Labour party at the weekend, Mr Bercow insisted he had not discussed receiving a peerage for joining the Opposition.
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Brexit news: Mr Bercow clashed with the Government (Image: PA/GETTY)
Mr Bercow, who served as a Tory MP for Buckingham for 22 years, claimed there had been “no barter” over a deal for a fresh nomination.
Announcing his decision, Mr Bercow claimed he did not recognise the Tory party and insisted it had become “nationalistic”.
Mr Bercow also issued a stinging attack on the Prime Minister who labelled as a “lousy governor”.
He told The Observer: “I am motivated by support for equality, social justice and internationalism.
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Brexit news: Mr Bercow announced his switch to the Labour party at the weekend (Image: GETTY/PA)
Brexit news: Mr Bercow stood down in 2019 (Image: PA/GETTY)
“That is the Labour brand. The conclusion I have reached is that this government needs to be replaced.
“The reality is that the Labour party is the only vehicle that can achieve that objective. There is no other credible option.”
“Boris is a successful campaigner but a lousy governor.
“I don’t think he has any vision of a more equitable society, any thirst for social mobility or any passion to better the lot of people less fortunate than he is.
“I think increasingly people are sick of lies, sick of empty slogans, sick of a failure to deliver.”
However, his switch was welcomed by Mr Corbyn who claimed the former speaker “stood up” for Parliament.
He added: “As Speaker, John Bercow stood up for parliament during one of the most turbulent periods in British politics.
“I look forward to campaigning with him for social justice and peace in the future.”
Brexit news: John Bercow served as Speaker for 10 years (Image: GETTY)
Previous speakers were given a seat in the House of Lords but the Government went against putting forward a nomination for Mr Bercow.
Mr Bercow served as the Speaker for 10 years and was accused of harbouring anti-Brexit sentiment during his time.
Under tradition, the Speaker is above politics and once elected, does not represent a political party.
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