Commons Speaker John Bercow under pressure after abuse inquiry given go-ahead by MPs
The pressure on Speaker John Bercow comes after it was alleged his bullying left a former private secretary with PTSD
AN unprecedented inquiry into abuse suffered by House of Commons staff has been given the green light – piling pressure on Speaker John Bercow.
Six MPs on the House of Commons Commission agreed to launch an independent investigation into the alleged bullying of clerks and House employees – and appoint an “external” chair in the coming days.
The move follows explosive allegations on BBC Newsnight a fortnight ago, including claims that Mr Bercow’s former private secretary was signed off with PTSD in 2011 after being shouted at and undermined by the Speaker.
He vehemently denies the claims.
The Speaker – the chair of the Commons Commission - excused himself from last night’s decision.
Sources claimed the independent inquiry could look at claims dating back to the start of the decade.
The first findings are expected by June.
The Newsnight allegations also carried claims that Tory Mark Pritchard and Labour MP Paul Farrelly bullied staff. Both deny the accusations.
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Commons leader Andrea Leadsom announced her wish for an inquiry in the House last week – in a debate chaired by the Speaker.
She said the Newsnight allegations were of “huge concern”.
She said: “We must stamp out bullying wherever we see it.”