UK parliament speaker under fire over bullying claims

LONDON: The Speaker of Britain´s House of Commons, John Bercow, was under pressure Friday for allegedly calling a senior minister a “stupid woman”, in the latest bullying claim to hit parliament´s top official. Prime Minister Theresa May´s spokeswoman said the language reportedly used against Commons leader Andrea Leadsom during a foul-mouthed outburst overheard in the chamber this week was “unacceptable”. After the story broke in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Bercow´s spokeswoman admitted “some strong and differing views were expressed on all sides” during a discussion about the government´s legislative programme. But she insisted: “The speaker treats his colleagues with respect.” Bercow was already facing calls to resign after two of his former private secretaries, Angus Sinclair and Kate Ems, accused him of bullying — allegations he strongly denied. Downing Street described those claims as “concerning” and her spokeswoman said on Friday of the remarks against Leadsom: “Clearly the prime minister thinks they are unacceptable.” She said that if an official complaint were made, it should be “properly investigated”.

from The News International - World https://ift.tt/2ISe0u8