John Bercow, the Speaker of Parliament, has reportedly told friends and close associates he intends to quit next summer. The news came after the publication of a highly critical report about bullying and sexual harassment of staff at Westminster. Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen said Bercow's decision was a "pre-emptive strike to head off calls for him to go immediately". Speaking in the House of Commons, Bercow called for an independent investigation into bullying claims against him, which he denies, while the leader of the Commons, Andrea Leadsom, said the new complaints procedure was "far from job done".
John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has reportedly told friends and close associates he intends to quit next summer. The news came after the publication of a highly critical report about bullying and sexual harassment of staff at Westminster. Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen said Bercow's decision was a "pre-emptive strike to head off calls for him to go immediately". Speaking in Parliament, Bercow called for an independent investigation into bullying claims against him, which he denies, while the leader of the Commons, Andrea Leadsom, said the new complaints procedure was "far from job done".