Harriet Harman ‘mulls bid to become Speaker’ as pressure mounts on John Bercow

Liz Bates

Labour grandee Harriet Harman is reportedly considering a bid to become Commons Speaker as John Bercow faces mounting calls to relinquish the role.



The former Labour deputy leader has told friends she is “prepared to throw her hat into the ring,” with Mr Bercow embroiled in a damaging bullying row, according to the Sunday Times.

The Speaker is under pressure to step down after Newsnight aired allegations that he bullied parliamentary staff.

In an expose, which also included similar claims against two other MPs, Mr Bercow was accused of shouting at and undermining his former private secretary Kate Emms - eventually leading to her being signed off sick.

Although he has strongly denied the allegations, Conservative MPs have rounded on their colleague, calling for his removal.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told the Sunday Telegraph the Speaker “clearly has questions to answer” and vowed to table a motion of no confidence in him tomorrow.

James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, meanwhile told the newspaper the Speaker’s position was “untenable”.

Elsewhere, Labour MP Jess Phillips told the Observer Mr Bercow should "consider stepping back" from his job to allow an independent investigation to take place.

Responding to the claims on Friday, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said: “The report from Newsnight is concerning. The Prime Minister is clear there can be no place for bullying or harassment of any kind in Westminster.

“And everybody should be free to work in an environment that is safe and respectful. If any complaints are made they should be fully investigated.”

Asked if Mrs May had confidence in Mr Bercow, the spokesman replied: “Yes.”