Ann Widdecombe, who was my choice for Speaker, was eliminated in the second round of voting by MPs who instead chose John Bercow as the new Speaker.

Like Matt Wardman, I’m not impressed. His acceptance speech demonstrates that he doesn’t really get it:

We do have to reform but I just want to say that I continue to believe that the vast majority of members of this House are upright, decent, honourable people who have come into politics, not to feather their nests, but because they have heeded the call of public service.

He doesn’t even seem to accept that the public see most MPs as pigs with their snouts in the trough – whether fairly or unfairly. The point is that until significant reforms are put in place and a general election is held, Parliament and MPs will not and can not be seen as clean or as representative of the people’s will.

If Bercow does not accept that and swiftly take action on reform, he should (and hopefully would) be swiftly removed by a fresh Parliament.

Now, I’m not a fan of Bercow – but he has been elected and so should be given a chance. For now. However much like a child being allowed to sit in an adults seat he looks in the Speakers chair.