End of The Colorful Era: British Speaker Steps down

By Staff, Agencies

A colorful era in British parliamentary history is coming to a close with Speaker of the House John Bercow’s abrupt announcement Monday that he would leave his influential post by the end of October.

That means he won’t be sporting his festive designer ties beneath his solemn robes or clamping down on rude lawmakers with his patented pleas for “orrr-duhhh” from his elevated podium for much longer.

His decision to step down is in keeping with the British tradition that a speaker shouldn’t serve too many terms. Bercow has been in the powerful post since 2009, and had earned the enmity of many Conservative Party kingpins who, in a break with normal practice, were planning to challenge him at the next election, which is expected shortly.

Bercow’s emotional announcement drew sustained applause from the House and heartfelt thanks from friends and foes alike. He shed a few tears and choked up several times as he explained it was time for him to step down, in part because of family obligations. “Throughout my time as speaker I have sought to increase the relative authority of this legislature for which I will make absolutely no apology to anyone, anywhere, at any time,” he said.

He also seemed to warn about weakening Parliament’s role at a time when the institution is in conflict with the prime minister.

“We degrade this Parliament at our peril,” he said. “I have served as a member of Parliament for 22 years, and for the last 10 as speaker. This has been, let me put it explicitly, the greatest privilege and honor of my professional life for which I will be eternally grateful.

It was a rare instance in which opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Conservative Cabinet Minister Michael Gove agreed, both praising Bercow for his commitment to the democratic process.

“Our democracy is the stronger for your being the speaker. And whatever you do when you finally step down from Parliament, you do so with the thanks of a very large number of people,” Corbyn said.

Gove said: “Your commitment to your principles and to your constituents is unwavering and an example to others.”

Bercow has played a pivotal role in the seemingly endless debates over Brexit. Bercow determines which amendments will be voted on and who will be called upon to speak, and uses his position to silence rabble rousers and rule on questions of parliamentary procedure.

Despite the frequent grumbling about his outspoken nature, Bercow has been re-elected to the position twice.