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John Bercow 'categorically denies' all bullying allegations as Downing Street brands claims 'very concerning'

Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow walks over Westminster Bridge on his last morning as Speaker: PA
Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow walks over Westminster Bridge on his last morning as Speaker: PA

John Bercow has “categorically” denied ever bullying anyone and hit out at the Government for not offering him a peerage when he resigned.

The former House of Commons speaker broke his silence on Thursday after Lord Lisvane handed a dossier of allegations to Parliamentary authorities for investigation.

Downing Street called the claims “very concerning” and said they must be “investigated fully”.

But Mr Bercow, a far cry from the reserve required in his former job, issued a stinging attack at Boris Johnson’s Government and the Clerk of the House, his former most senior official.

He said that, since retiring, it has “become increasingly obvious that the Government has no intention of honouring the centuries-old convention that a departing speaker is promptly elevated to the House of Lords”.

“Indeed, it has been suggested to me that the Government actively seeks to block any other attempt to nominate me for membership of the upper house,” he continues in a statement.

“I have seen in the media that Lord Lisvane is formally complaining that I bullied staff. For the record, I categorically deny that I have ever bullied anyone, anywhere at any time.”

Former speaker of the Commons John Bercow (UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Images)
Former speaker of the Commons John Bercow (UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Images)

Last night, he called the timing of the allegations “curious” and said Lord Lisvane had “ample time” to raise his concerns during five years of working together.

It comes amid claims Jeremy Corbyn is nominating Mr Bercow for a peerage, after Conservative Brexiteers were so angered by the arch-Remainer’s agenda that they defied convention when he retired, despite him being a Tory MP.

All peers have to undergo a vetting procedure before being approved.

The Times reports that a dossier of allegations have been handed to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said earlier: “These are very concerning allegations and they need to be investigated thoroughly.

“Everyone working in Parliament deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

“There can be no place for bullying or abuse in Westminster or any workplace and it is important that the parliamentary leadership responds fully and promptly to any concerns which are raised.”

Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said the complaint, if it is upheld, should have an “impact” on whether he is made a peer.