Sally Bercow linked to Big Brother revival

By politics.co.uk staff

Sally Bercow is toying with the idea of appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, according to reports.

The wife of the Speaker, who is the subject of near-constant criticism from Conservative figures for her photo-shoots and outspoken views, could be joining housemates Kerry Katona, Jedward and Pamela Anderson when the show starts again on Channel 5.

"John Bercow said he wanted to restore respect and dignity to parliament in his manifesto for Speaker. I am not sure how Sally Bercow going on one of the country's tackiest shows helps," Tory MP Rob Wilson told the Daily Mail.

"Is it really appropriate for the Speaker's wife to use parliament for her own financial gain? After all, the only reason for the invitation is because her husband is the Speaker. I would urge her to think very carefully about what she is doing."

Channel 5 has not confirmed the reports and Ms Bercow gave little indication either way when she tweeted: "Seriously tempted to go on Big Brother as riposte to those banging on about 'dignity of the Speaker's office'. I am not the Speaker."

"Anyway, enough of this excitement, I'm meant to be packing (for Devon, not Big Brother)."
Ms Bercow first attracted controversy when she gave a personal interview admitting to binge drinking and a series of one-night stands before she met her husband.

Later, a feature saw her appear with parliament in the background, covered only in a bed sheet.

Her prominence and attitude are often criticised for demeaning the office of the Speaker, but many people defend her on the basis that she is entitled to lead a life separately to that of her husband.

Nevertheless, her profile does little to help John Bercow's position in the Commons. The Speaker is widely disliked by Conservatives, many of whom suspect he is sympathetic to Labour.

He enjoyed good reviews towards the end of the last session however, after debates on phone-hacking served to give parliament a front-line role when the scandal dominated the front pages.

Political news to your inbox

Fill in your details to receive Politics.co.uk's brand of informed, in-depth and independent coverage of Westminster to your inbox

Hot topics

Britain's great energy debate

How the power gets to Britain's homes in the next century remains a matter of deep controversy

As the next general election begins to loom over the horizon, the debate over Britain's future energy policy mix is starting to hot up - and nothing seems guaranteed.

The Heathrow third runway debate

Heathrow's third runway is just one of many options

There won't be a final decision on Britain's long-term aviation strategy until after the 2015 general election - but an aggressive national debate is already underway.

Opinion Former Events

MRSA Action UK Annual Memorial Event

Families will pay tribute and remember those lost to MRSA and healthcare associated infections at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 13th June 2013

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition & Conference 2013

Following the great success of the BSIA's Information Destruction Conference and Exhibition in May 2012, we are pleased to annouce that the event is returning again in June 2013. This one-day conference and exhibition is aimed at key decision makers in organisations that carry out the secure destruction of confidential material.