John Bercow, the new Speaker in the House of Commons, chaired his first Prime Minister's Questions earlier today with a quiet assertiveness that was almost refreshing to witness. With a mixture of casual authority and stern consistency, Mr Bercow seemed to resemble the new Headteacher of Grange Hill, rather than a traditional Speaker of the House of Commons.
As refreshing as Mr Bercow's performance was, the election of a new Speaker will only paper over the cracks in the Parliamentary system, as opposed to the reform of political structures needed. MPs now believe themselves to be secure in their position now that they have replaced the sacrificial lamb of Michael Martin, and lost some of the dead weight MPs, through the expenses scandal.
It is obvious that Parliament flinches at the mention of reform, therefore this window dressing allows MPs to carry on their normal routines almost unhindered. But this culture of the Westminster Village, which has developed from 1688, is irrelevant in the modern context of society. Outdated and outmoded, Parliament seems almost oblivious to lack of relevance to the electorate.
The traditions which MPs cling to, such as dragging the Speaker to his position, clearly alienate the majority of the population who do not understand the significance of these little "in jokes".
The new Speaker has promised a lot of minor reforms, tinkering around the edges if you will, but will all these minor changes result in any significant difference? It is doubtful.
Always going to happen, obviously
20 hours ago
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