Bercow faces calls to quit after bullying accusations

John Bercow is facing calls for his resignation, after new accusations of bullying were levelled against him.

The Speaker's former private secretary Angus Sinclair told BBC2's Newsnight that Bercow had mimicked him, swearing and shouting, once smashing a mobile phone on the desk in front of him. Bercow's office has issued a strong denial of the allegations.

Newsnight has previously reported that Sinclair's successor, Kate Emms, was allegedly bullied by the Speaker – a claim Bercow also denies.

But the revelations prompted calls for the divisive Speaker to quit.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, told the Today Programme that Bercow should “consider his position”, saying there was an “atmosphere of fear and intimidation of staff," that needed to be routed out.

"At a time when we are looking for culture change in the House of Commons with regard to bullying and harassment, I think thats very difficult if the titular head of that organisation is mired in these allegations," he said.

“We dont know whether he has misled the House unless there is a full investigation, but he holds such power in the House of Commons that it is very difficult to have an independent investigation.”

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CityAM

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