Stop speaking Mr Speaker! Bercow's interruptions and 'ABSURD' rants spark Twitter backlash
HOUSE Speaker John Bercow has been dubbed an “absurd pompous fool” after he repeatedly interrupted MPs and went off on bizarre tangents while presiding over an emergency Commons debate on Britain’s recent air strikes in Syria.
The conduct of the Tory MP, who has been Speaker of the House since 2009, prompted a major backlash on social media as he twice retold anecdotes from his days at Oxford during the emergency meeting.
Speaking like an angry father chastising his children, Bercow’s over-zealous approach to a debate between Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May was met criticism from some users, with some demanding more “dignity and gravitas” from the House Speaker.
As Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith attempted to speak, Bercow sternly quipped: “No no. First of all, the right honourable gentleman should sit down when I'm on my feet.
Mr Shellbrook – Be quiet. I know you feel strongly and I respect that but I'm not having you shouting out
"Secondly, in question of the seniority of the right honourable gentleman, I'll hear him if it’s a short sentence,” as Mr Smith looked on in amazement.
When Tory backbencher Alec Shellbrook attempted to speak shortly afterwards, Mr Bercow shouted: "Mr Shellbrook – Be quiet.
"I know you feel strongly and I respect that but I'm not having you shouting out.
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"You either undertake now to be quiet or I strongly suggest you leave the chamber for the rest of the debate."
And in a scene reminiscent of a headmaster, Mr Bercow commanded: "Stop it. You are well intentioned but you are over excitable."
Bercow's performance in the House angered politicos, who hit out at his "insulting", "arrogant" and "idiotic" comments.
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“Is this Jeremy Corbyn’s speech or John Bercow’s? The Speaker is turning into the most absurd pompous fool,” wrote Julia Hartley-Brewer on social media.
Another added: “Debating Syria bombing, John Bercow has now intervened twice in five minutes with anecdotes about his student days at Oxford. The sort of person you hide in toilets at parties to avoid.
One user said: “Bercow Is totally up himself - hugely dislikeable man - very insulting in his behaviour to house colleagues.”
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Another user, simply commented: “Gosh, John Bercow is an awful Speaker of the House. Really low rent.”
Mr Bercow has often created tensions outside of the House.
Recently, he faced new questions after an Indian restaurant which donated to his re-election campaign made a delivery to the Houses of Parliament.
The Madhu’s lorry unloaded trays of food at the Derby Gate.
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The restaurant chain gave £5,000 to the Buckingham MP in 2014. It is owned by Sanjay Anand, who met Mr Bercow in 2009.
The donation came four weeks after the Speaker attended the opening of Madhu’s at a Heathrow hotel.
Reports said Mr Bercow was a “fan” of Madhu’s cuisine and he gave a “heartfelt” speech.
Mr Bercow reportedly made the 16-mile journey from Parliament in a chauffer- driven official car, costing £307.