Time of need: John Bercow
19 August 2014
Who can John Bercow count on in his hour of need? Parliament is gearing up for a battle royal about the Speaker’s plans to appoint Australian Carol Mills as Commons Clerk. The rebels are being led by ex-Speaker Betty Boothroyd but who will lead the charge in Bercow’s defence? Step forward Tory backbencher Douglas Carswell, known to some, affectionately, as “Lurch”.
The Clacton MP slapped down fellow Conservative Michael Fabricant on Twitter yesterday for criticising “Big John”, after “Fabby” referred to him as “Napoleon”. With so many nicknames flying about if Ms Mills gets the job she may find she’s no idea who anyone is.
