John Bercow the new Speaker got off to a great start at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQ’s) this afternoon.
He was self assured (not something that any of his critics have doubted), fair and firm. The highlight was that he kept the hullaballoo down and made sure that as many questions were asked of Gordon Brown.
After the Prime Minister sat down at the last question, John Bercow read out a brief statement laying down some more of the expectations that he has on MP’s from all sides of the chamber. Chief amongst these was that he is demanding that Ministers announce emerging policy, facts and figures and the like to Parliament first, they must not speak to the media first.
Given that this Government spins like Spitfire’s propeller, it is going to be a real test of Bercow’s authority when one of them breaks this rule. Oh, and they will break it…
I am going to give the new Speaker 8 out of 10, he would have got 10 out of 10 if he had said, “Order, order, the Prime Minister hasn’t answered that question, would the Right Honourable Gentleman please answer it!”
I am STANDING FOR CHANGE. As the Member of Parliament for Erith & Thamesmead I will fight for local people and make sure that our constituency gets the strong leadership it deserves. Like most people, I am sick and tired of the way that this area has been let down by the Labour Party who have taken us for granted. If I am going to bring dynamic political leadership to our area, I need YOUR VOTE! Married with four children, I am actively involved in my church, council and charities.