Why John Bercow has not been appointed to the House of Lords After His Tenure as Speaker

There has been recent controversy surrounding the appointment (or lack thereof) of John Bercow to the House of Lords following his tenure as Speaker of the House of Commons. This article explores the potential reasons behind Bercow's exclusion and evaluates the broader implications of this decision.

Political Rivalries and Revenge

Some argue that Bercow’s lack of peerage is a form of petty political retribution from the Conservative Party, particularly after Boris Johnson took office. It is suggested that Bercow’s actions, which enforced important parliamentary rules, were interpreted as a hindrance to the government's agenda. This view points to a conflict of interest when Bercow took a stance against the controversial Prorogation of Parliament, which also led to the proroguing of the courts. Regardless of the specific reasons, it is clear that Bercow’s impartiality and adherence to the rules during a tumultuous political period put him at odds with certain members of the government.

Allegations and Investigations

Another significant factor that has contributed to Bercow’s exclusion from the House of Lords is the allegations of bullying during his tenure. These allegations, made by his staff and senior parliamentary figures, remain unanswered. Despite the absence of concrete evidence of wrongdoing, the ongoing investigations and public perception of impropriety have likely affected the political decision-making process regarding Bercow’s appointment to the House of Lords. The Speaker’s role is one that is traditionally expected to be above partisan politics, and any hint of impropriety can be damaging to a potential peerage.

Potential for Future Rectification

Although Bercow was denied a peerage by the current Conservative government, there is a strong possibility that a future Prime Minister could rectify this situation. The Speaker's role is inherently neutral, and Bercow’s exclusion may be seen as a temporary setback in a political context that is rapidly evolving. Given the importance of the Speaker's role in upholding democratic processes and ensuring governmental accountability, it is reasonable to expect that Bercow would be given a seat in the House of Lords at some point in the future.

Challenges to the Speaker's Role

Bercow's actions during his term as Speaker have highlighted the complex challenges posed by the role. As a politically neutral figure, the Speaker must navigate the delicate balance of ensuring transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity. In the case of the Brexit negotiations, Bercow's opposition to the government's attempt to bypass Parliament created a high level of scrutiny and political tension. The controversy surrounding his actions raises questions about the accessibility and impartiality of the UK's parliamentary system.

Conclusion

In summary, John Bercow’s lack of appointment to the House of Lords is a multifaceted issue influenced by political rivalries, allegations of impropriety, and the broader implications for the role of the Speaker in the UK parliamentary system. While the current government may not see fit to honor Bercow with a peerage, the decision highlights the ongoing debates about political accountability, the independence of the judiciary, and the evolving nature of democratic processes in the UK.