Sally Bercow linked to Big Brother revival

Friday, 5 August 2011 11:34 AM

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.

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