Bercow raps MPs over statement leak
Monday, 6 July 2009 12:00 AM
By Alex Stevenson
New Speaker John Bercow sought to stamp his authority over the Commons after his statement on electing his deputies was leaked last week.
In a brief statement to MPs this afternoon Mr Bercow explained he had been forced to deny leaking the statement after news of his intentions appeared in news outlets earlier that day.
He said he was confident that none of his staff had leaked the news that he wanted his deputies to be elected by the Commons.
Instead he blamed those whom he had consulted with "as a matter of courtesy" - other ministers and opposition whips - for the leak.
"I am sorry that I have to be so blunt so early in my speakership but this sort of behaviour is precisely what harms the reputation of this House and I do not intend to tolerate it," he said.
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