Speaker’s wife stands for Labour
By politics.co.uk staff
New Commons Speaker’s wife Sally Bercow is to stand for Labour in forthcoming local elections.
John Bercow won the race to succeed Michael Martin as Speaker in the summer despite being deeply unpopular on Tory party benches.
His political journey from the right to left of his party was in large part attributed by observers to the influence of his wife, who it has now emerged will contest a council seat in Westminster.
Mr Bercow’s election frustrated many of his Tory colleagues. As Speaker he has renounced party affiliation but rumours in Westminster could see him forced out if the Conservatives command a powerful majority after the next election.
His wife’s loyalty to the Labour party is unlikely to dampen his opponents’ enthusiasm for such a move. Speakers must be re-elected at the beginning of each new parliament.
