United Kingdom and Gibraltar European Union membership referendum
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John Bercow has long been a cult figure in British politics. His "order" calls, his often humorous measures have made the British House Speaker well known far beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. Bercow videos are clicked on the internet by millions.
The Tory politician enjoys the attention visibly - but in the current Brexit chaos, he uses his role too much more than an entertainment show. Bercow extends the possibilities of the actually impartial post and mixes with politics.
He sees himself as a lawyer for the parliament. And since Theresa May, and now especially Boris Johnson, was anxious to avoid the deputies as much as possible, Bercow made that again and again: an opponent of the government.
In recent months, Bercow admitted applications that did not suit the leadership, while others refused. He let May's government rally as she wanted to vote over and over again about her unaltered deal. When Johnson announced a forced break for parliament, Bercow spoke of a "constitutional scandal". On Tuesday he granted the deputies an emergency debate - the prerequisites that the opposition to the will of the government can introduce a law against a hard Brexit.
The Brexit hardliners at the Tories accuse the lower house spokesman to slow down the EU exit. Indeed, it is no secret that the Conservative once voted to remain in the EU. Counted earlier to the right wing of the Tories, he has long been part of the camp of the Liberals in the party. It has recently been reported that Bercow met with Tory rebels to discuss how Johnson could be stopped.
However, the new ruthlessness of the Johnson administration in dealing with political opponents could now also hit Bercow. According to the British "Telegraph" there are - contrary to all custom - considerations to challenge the lower house spokesman in a preferential vote in his constituency with a Brexit candidate.
Bercow, on the other hand, is self-confident in these days. On criticism of his course, he answers smugly on Tuesday in Parliament with a Johnson quote. He will continue to support the lower house, Bercow said - "Come, whatever you want".
