John Bercow, the former Speaker of the House of Commons, carved out a truly unique and often tumultuous legacy in British politics. For over a decade, his booming pronouncements of “Order! Order!” became a defining soundbite, instantly recognizable across the globe. Beyond the theatrical delivery, Bercow’s tenure as Speaker, from 2009 to 2019, coincided with some of the most fractious periods in modern British parliamentary history, most notably the prolonged and divisive debates surrounding Brexit. 

The Early Years: From Conservative to Contender

John Simon Bercow was born on January 19, 1963, in Edgware, London. His early political leanings were firmly on the right, and he was an active member of the Conservative Monday Club, a traditionalist, right-wing pressure group within the Conservative Party, even advocating for “assisted repatriation” of immigrants in his youth. He studied at the University of Essex, earning a first-class degree in government.

Bercow’s early career saw him serve as a Conservative councillor in the London Borough of Lambeth and later as a special adviser to prominent Conservative figures like Jonathan Aitken and Virginia Bottomley. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Buckingham in 1997.

During his time as a backbench MP and later in the Shadow Cabinet, Bercow’s political views began to evolve, moving towards a more socially liberal stance. He famously resigned from the Shadow Cabinet in 2002 in protest against Iain Duncan Smith’s policy on adoption rights for gay and unmarried couples, a clear indication of his shifting ideology. 

This demonstrated a willingness to prioritize principles over party loyalty, a characteristic that would become increasingly evident during his Speakership. His journey from a staunch right-winger to a more centrist, and eventually, a left-leaning figure, is a fascinating aspect of his political evolution. In 2021, Bercow formally joined the Labour Party, though he was later suspended in 2022.

The Speakership: A Decade of Disruption and Reform

John Bercow’s election as Speaker in June 2009 came at a critical juncture for the House of Commons. The institution was reeling from the MPs’ expenses scandal, and public trust in politicians was at an all-time low. Bercow campaigned on a platform of modernization and empowering backbench MPs, promising to restore the standing of Parliament. He succeeded Michael Martin, who had resigned amidst the expenses controversy.

His Speakership, lasting a decade, was marked by several defining features:

Championing Backbenchers and Parliamentary Scrutiny

One of Bercow’s most significant contributions was his relentless advocacy for backbenchers. He believed firmly that Parliament should hold the government to account, and he used his powers to facilitate this scrutiny. Key actions include:

Increased Use of Urgent Questions (UQs): Bercow significantly increased the number of Urgent Questions granted, forcing ministers to come to the House and answer pressing issues. His predecessor, Michael Martin, granted around 14 UQs per parliamentary session, whereas Bercow granted an astonishing 307 in the 2017-2019 session alone. This gave backbench MPs more opportunities to challenge the government on its policies and actions, making the executive more accountable.

Allowing Emergency Debates: Bercow was more willing than his predecessors to grant applications for emergency debates, enabling MPs to discuss matters of national importance with immediate urgency.

Facilitating Amendments: He demonstrated a readiness to allow more amendments to government motions, including to the Queen’s Speech, which traditionally saw very few. This expanded the scope for parliamentary influence on legislative agendas. A notable instance was in January 2019, when he allowed an amendment to a business motion related to Brexit, which significantly curtailed Theresa May’s room for maneuver.

Ending the “Chuck It Out” Culture: Bercow was determined to change the perception that the Speaker’s role was merely to rubber-stamp government business. He actively challenged attempts by the executive to bypass parliamentary scrutiny.

Modernizing Parliamentary Procedure and Outreach

Beyond empowering backbenchers, Bercow introduced several initiatives aimed at modernizing the House of Commons and making it more accessible:

Speaker’s Lectures: He commissioned a series of “Speaker’s Lectures” featuring prominent figures, designed to promote public understanding of Parliament and its role.

Youth Parliament: Bercow was a strong supporter of the UK Youth Parliament, allowing them to debate in the Commons chamber – a privilege previously reserved solely for MPs. This initiative aimed to engage younger generations in democratic processes.

Enhanced Public Engagement: He actively encouraged more schoolchildren to visit Parliament and supported the creation of Parliament’s innovative Education Centre. He also frequently participated in outreach events, becoming a more public face for the institution.

Technological Improvements: While not solely his doing, his tenure saw a gradual embrace of technology within Parliament, including increased use of digital documents and improved broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings, making it easier for the public to follow debates.

Navigating Brexit: The Ultimate Test

The most defining and often controversial period of Bercow’s Speakership was undoubtedly the years dominated by Brexit. As the UK grappled with its departure from the European Union, the House of Commons became the focal point of intense political drama. Bercow’s interpretations of parliamentary rules, particularly in relation to the Brexit withdrawal process, drew both fervent praise and fierce criticism.

Procedural Interpretations: His decisions, such as allowing the “Grieve amendment” in January 2019 (which ensured a “meaningful vote” on the Brexit deal), were seen by some as an assertive defense of parliamentary sovereignty and by others as partisan interventions designed to frustrate the government’s Brexit plans. His ruling that the government could not bring back the same Brexit deal for a third vote without substantial changes, based on a centuries-old parliamentary convention, was a particularly impactful moment.

Maintaining Order in Tumultuous Times: The sheer volume and intensity of Brexit debates tested Bercow’s ability to maintain order. His distinctive calls of “Order! Order!” became a staple of news broadcasts as he sought to control often raucous parliamentary sessions.

Perceived Impartiality: While the Speaker is traditionally expected to be politically impartial, Bercow was frequently accused of bias against the Conservative government’s Brexit agenda. He always maintained his impartiality, arguing that his role was to protect the rights of Parliament against the executive. This perception of bias, whether accurate or not, significantly colored his final years in the chair.

Recent Trends (as of 2025) and John Bercow’s Continuing Influence

As of mid-2025, John Bercow remains a figure of public interest, albeit one who has largely stepped away from frontline politics following the bullying allegations and the subsequent ban from Parliament.

Public Speaking and Commentary: Bercow continues to engage in public speaking engagements, often offering his insights on politics, parliamentary procedure, and leadership. He is represented by agencies that arrange speaking opportunities on topics such as change management, global politics, and the lessons learned from Brexit.

International Advocacy: Recent news from June 2025 shows John Bercow actively participating in international events. He delivered a passionate address at a rally in Berlin backing the Iranian people’s fight for freedom and condemning the ruling regime. This indicates his continued interest in human rights and democratic movements on a global scale. He explicitly endorsed the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a credible alternative for a democratic, secular republic in Iran, aligning with his past advocacy for human rights.

Shadow of Controversy: The Independent Expert Panel’s findings regarding bullying allegations continue to cast a shadow over his public image. While he remains a recognizable voice, these findings significantly impact his perceived trustworthiness in certain circles.

Parliamentary Legacy: Despite the controversies, many of Bercow’s procedural innovations have endured. The increased use of Urgent Questions, for example, has become a more established part of parliamentary scrutiny, demonstrating a lasting impact on how Parliament operates. The emphasis on empowering backbenchers, while perhaps not as pronounced under subsequent Speakers, remains a relevant theme in parliamentary reform discussions.

Practical Tips for Understanding Parliamentary Proceedings 

For a broad audience, understanding the intricacies of parliamentary proceedings can be challenging. Here are some practical tips to better grasp the role of the Speaker and the dynamics of the House of Commons:

Watch Parliament Live: The UK Parliament’s official website and YouTube channel stream all proceedings live. Watching Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) is an excellent way to see the Speaker in action, managing a lively and often boisterous debate.

Follow Parliamentary News: Reputable news outlets (BBC News, Sky News, The Guardian, The Times) provide in-depth coverage and analysis of parliamentary debates and decisions, often explaining the procedural nuances.

Utilize Official Parliament Resources: The UK Parliament website (parliament.uk) is an invaluable resource. It provides detailed explanations of parliamentary procedure, the role of the Speaker, and historical context.

Look for Explainer Videos: Many educational channels and news organizations produce short explainer videos on how Parliament works, including the Speaker’s role. These can simplify complex topics.

Understand Key Terms: Familiarize yourself with terms like “Urgent Question,” “Point of Order,” “Motion,” and “Division” (vote) to better follow the flow of debates.

Recognize the Speaker’s Authority: Understand that when the Speaker stands or calls “Order! Order!”, they are exercising their authority to control the proceedings, and MPs are expected to comply.

Real-Life Examples of Bercow’s Impact

The Benn Act (2019): In September 2019, amidst intense Brexit negotiations, John Bercow allowed an emergency debate that paved the way for the Benn Act. This Act required the Prime Minister to seek an extension to Brexit negotiations if a deal was not reached by a certain date. This was a clear example of Bercow using his procedural powers to enable Parliament to “take back control” of the legislative agenda, much to the government’s frustration.

“Dissenting Voices” in PMQs: Bercow actively encouraged MPs from all sides to participate in PMQs, often allowing more supplementary questions than his predecessors. He was known for calling on backbenchers, including those from smaller parties, ensuring a wider range of voices were heard, rather than exclusively focusing on frontbench exchanges.

The “Unprecedented” Speaker: Bercow was the first Speaker since World War II to be elected four times and to serve alongside four different Prime Ministers (Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson). This long tenure, combined with the unprecedented political turbulence of the Brexit era, cemented his status as a uniquely impactful, and at times polarizing, figure.

FAQ

What was John Bercow’s most significant contribution as Speaker?

John Bercow’s most significant contribution was his resolute commitment to empowering backbench Members of Parliament and enhancing parliamentary scrutiny of the executive. He achieved this primarily through significantly increasing the number of Urgent Questions (UQs) granted, allowing more emergency debates, and interpreting parliamentary rules to facilitate greater parliamentary influence over government business, especially during the tumultuous Brexit period.

Why was John Bercow a controversial figure?

John Bercow was controversial due to several factors. Firstly, his assertive and often theatrical style in the chair, combined with his interpretations of parliamentary rules during Brexit, led to accusations of bias against the government and pro-Brexit factions. Secondly, and more seriously, he faced multiple allegations of bullying and harassment from former parliamentary staff, which were later upheld by an independent inquiry, leading to a lifetime ban from holding a parliamentary pass.

What is John Bercow doing in 2025?

As of mid-2025, John Bercow is actively engaged in public speaking and continues to offer commentary on political affairs. He has been noted for his involvement in international advocacy, particularly concerning human rights and democracy. For instance, in June 2025, he delivered a speech in Berlin supporting the Iranian people’s fight for freedom, indicating his ongoing engagement with global political issues.

How did John Bercow change the role of the Speaker?

John Bercow notably changed the role of the Speaker by making it more prominent and active. He moved away from a more passive, procedural role, instead becoming a vocal champion of parliamentary sovereignty. He increased the opportunities for backbench MPs to hold the government accountable, modernized elements of parliamentary outreach (like supporting the Youth Parliament), and became a more recognizable public face of the institution, often seen as a defender of Parliament against the executive.

Final Thoughts

John Bercow undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the British Parliament. His Speakership was a period of significant procedural innovation, marked by his fervent belief in the importance of parliamentary scrutiny and the empowerment of backbenchers. He transformed the perception of the Speaker, making the role more visible and, for many, more dynamic. 

While his distinctive style and controversial rulings, particularly during the Brexit saga, led to accusations of partisanship and later, serious allegations of bullying, his influence on parliamentary procedure is undeniable.

As of 2025, Bercow continues to be a vocal advocate for democratic principles on the international stage, even as his past conduct remains a subject of scrutiny. His legacy is complex: a champion of parliamentary power and accessibility, yet also a figure embroiled in personal controversy. 

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