John Bercow has announced he will stand down as Commons Speaker on 31 October at the latest.

On the verge of tears, the Buckingham MP said he had been the "backbenchers' backstop" during his 10 years in the top job.

He added serving had been "the greatest honour of my professional life".

Image: John Bercow will resign by 31 October

Watched by his wife Sally from the gallery, Mr Bercow said he would stay in his post until Brexit day at the latest because it was the "least disruptive" timetable.

MPs, mostly from the opposition benches but only a handful from the Tory side, rose to applaud his speech as he thanked them, saying: "You really are a very, very generous bunch."


"I wish my successor the very best fortune in standing up for the rights of MPs individually and for parliament institutionally," he added.

Some speculated he has "jumped before being pushed" after the Conservatives planned to break a long-standing convention that the main parties do not put up candidates against the Speaker in their constituency at an election.

Image: Only a handful of Tory MPs stood to applaud the Speaker

Michael Gove, a long-serving cabinet minister and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, paid tribute to Mr Bercow's "unwavering" commitment to his principles and constituents.

"Your role as the backbenchers' backstop is certainly one that has been appreciated by individuals across this house," he added.

Speaker Bercow's best moments

Referring to the many run-ins Mr Bercow had with Theresa May's government, Mr Gove admitted some MPs have been "bridled or chastened at some of the judgements that you've made".

But he insisted he had "never been in any doubt" about the Speaker's commitment to scrutinising ministers.

Image: The Speaker had several run-ins with Theresa May's government

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn thanked Mr Bercow for his "superb" record, adding: "Our democracy is the stronger for your being the Speaker."

"As somebody who aspires to hold executive office, I like the idea of a powerful parliament holding the executive to account.

"It's something I've spent the last 35 years doing myself."

Handshakes and hugs for Bercow from opposition MPs

Mr Bercow promised to only serve for nine years when he was first elected in 2009 as Speaker - a job that puts him in charge of presiding over Commons proceedings, including picking which amendments to draft laws are voted on.

He was first elected as a Conservative MP in 1997, and went on to serve as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury and international development secretary.

The 56-year-old stopped representing the Tories to fill the role which must be held by someone impartial.

Image: Mr Bercow said he would serve for nine years when he got the job in 2009

Kate McCann, Sky News' political correspondent, said: "In choosing to step down on 31 October at the latest, Mr Bercow guarantees that the next Speaker will be selected by the current parliament, amid concerns that new MPs are more vulnerable to being told what to do by whips and senior government figures.

"In leaving he is seeking to ensure MPs retain a voice in the chair willing to stand against Number 10 if required."

Those who could replace Mr Bercow include current deputy speakers Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Eleanor Laing, along with Labour MPs Harriet Harman, Chris Bryant, and Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh - who has already confirmed that he will stand.