House of Commons Speaker accuses whips of leaking information

Speaker John Bercow certainly hasn’t flinched from accusing either government or opposition whips of leaking plans to elect deputy speakers.

As I Spy Strangers reports:

The Speaker of the House of Commons has told MPs that neither he nor his staff leaked details of his statement to the House on proposals to elect his deputies.

John Bercow said that he had consulted with government and opposition whips before he made his statement last Thursday…

The Speaker told MPs that he was “confident” his staff were not responsible, and pointed the finger at the whips.

Mr Speaker said the leak damaged the reputation of the House.

“I give notice today that if such a leak occurs on any future occasion I shall no longer feel under any obligation to hold such consultations in advance,” he said.

“I am sorry that I have to be so blunt so early in my Speakership but this sort of behaviour is precisely what harms the reputation of this House and I do not intend to tolerate it.”