JOHN Bercow has retaken his seat as Speaker of the House of Commons, telling MPs he wanted his political epitaph to be: “He was the backbenchers’ champion”.
In a traditional ceremony, Bercow was dragged from his seat – between Tories Charles Walker and Julian Lewis, two key allies – to the Speaker’s chair after the motion to reappoint him was passed unopposed.
In a brief speech, Bercow said he was keen to continue his six-year career as Speaker for “a little longer”.
Not a single MP spoke out against the appointment when Sir Gerald Kaufman, the new Father of the House, moved the motion for Bercow to resume his seat.
Despite an unsuccessful but controversial bid by the Conservatives to make the Speaker easier to remove before the election, David Cameron welcomed Bercow back as Speaker.
He joked the media had been confused about whether Bercow was actually a Conservative, adding: “It’s of course your second re-election this month and I noticed during the first there was some confusion in the media as to whether my party had won 330 or 331 seats in the General Election.
“It seems the media were unsure as to whether or not you were a Conservative – but I’m sure you found this as baffling as I did.”
Cameron said this was a tribute to the inclusive approach adopted by the Speaker, particularly in allowing backbenchers to fulfil their duties.
Invited to confirm his continuation in the powerful role, Bercow said: “It has been an honour to serve as Speaker for almost six years and I would be honoured to do so for a little longer if colleagues kindly agree.
“I will strive to ensure this House remains at the heart of our democratic system. All of its members, newcomers and veterans alike, should be part of the cast, not merely an audience.
“Finally, if there are five words I would like carved on my political tombstone – assuming such items are not now forever unfashionable – they are: ‘He was the backbenchers’ champion’.
“On this basis, I submit myself to the House.”
Interim Labour leader Harriet Harman said Mr Bercow would be a strong ally for the scores of new MPs elected to the Commons on May 7.
She said: “He may be small in stature, but make no mistake: in this office he is a giant.”
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