Theresa May calls for investigation into Speaker John Bercow’s ‘stupid woman’ outburst at Andrea Leadsom
A No 10 spokesman said: 'If an official complaint is made it should be properly investigated'
THERESA May has slammed Speaker John Bercow over his alleged “stupid woman” outburst at a Cabinet minister.
The PM said claims the Commons boss also branded Andrea Leadsom “f***** useless” were unacceptable and must be investigated.
And she refused to say the PM had full confidence in the under-fire official.
It follows a decision by the Standards Committee to block a probe into bullying claims made against the Speaker.
Last night Mrs Leadsom said she was concentrating on ensuring “anyone who is bullied or treated unfairly in Parliament is able to have their concerns and complaints dealt with in a rigorous and fair manner”.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: “We have seen the alleged remarks.
“Clearly the Prime Minister thinks they are unacceptable. If an official complaint is made it should be properly investigated.”
A Westminster source said there were “no plans” for Mrs Leadsom to complain “at the moment”.
Mr Bercow is said to have insulted the Leader of the House in an aside in the Commons chamber on Wednesday.
It came after he had berated Mrs Leadsom for the way ministers were conducting Government business.
Mrs Leadsom was reported not to have heard the comment, but MPs who claimed to have caught his remarks were said to be furious.
The Speaker’s office acknowledged “strong and differing views” had been expressed in the chamber on what it said had been an “unusual and controversial day” in Parliament.
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Mrs May’s intervention will add to the pressure on the Speaker who is facing calls to resign over allegations of bullying staff who worked for him.
The Commons Standards Committee voted three-two against allowing Parliament’s watchdog to investigate the allegations, which he has consistently denied.
Last night members of the committee declined to comment to The Sun if their views had changed.
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