John Bercow’s peerage hangs in the balance as Commons chiefs consider new bullying allegations

FORMER Speaker John Bercow’s peerage has been dealt a major blow as Commons chiefs consider a fresh investigation into bullying allegations.

The Sun can reveal that one new complaint has been lodged with Parliamentary officials with a second in the process of being formalised.

Mr Bercow is accused by both the individuals of bullying and harassment during his ten-year tenure in the role.

During his time in the Speaker’s chair, investigations into his conduct were blocked – although retrospective probes into behaviour of staff on Parliament was brought into force last year.

A source said: “At least two people have made a complaint to the authorities. One was made a matter of weeks ago and the second is in the process of being finalised.

“Neither of these individuals can stomach the idea of him being rewarded in the Lords after the way he treated them.

“There are still questions to be answered about his conduct, not least with the amount of NDAs that were signed off under his tenure.”

RETROSPECTIVE PROBES

Mr Bercow’s nomination to the Lords was made by outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Although the investigation into his conduct will be led by Commons chiefs, the House of Lords Appointments Commission has been informed of the complaints.

The source added: “While the Commission can only ever be advisory to No.10, they have a duty to inform of any previous conduct that is likely to bring themselves, or the House of Lords into disrepute.

“Clearly an investigation into conduct such as this, if proven, would likely lead to that being the case.

“There is simply no way he could be made a peer with this hanging over him.” In another blow former Black Rod Lieutenant General David Leakey insists the House of Lords Appointments Commission shouldn’t consider any peerage until all investigations into Mr Bercow’s conduct is resolved.

He said: “If Bercow is elevated to the House of Lords it would be a scandal which Parliament would struggle to live down. The reputation of politicians would be further diminished.”

The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards said all investigations were confidential and added: “We can therefore neither confirm nor deny whether any complaint has been received about any named MP or former MP.”

The House of Lords Appointments Commission said they do not comment on any vetting processes.

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