John Bercow Keynote Speaker

John Bercow served as a Member of Parliament for 22 years, with his final decade as the Speaker of the House of Commons. Renowned for his distinctive approach and outspoken nature, he retired on October 31, 2019, leaving behind a significant legacy in British politics. As Speaker, Bercow presided during tumultuous times, addressing issues like austerity, coalition governance, and the Brexit referendum decision of 2016.

John Bercow became the 157th Speaker of the House of Commons in 2009, the first since World War II to serve under four Prime Ministers. His political career began in 1997 as the Conservative MP for Buckingham. He held various Shadow Cabinet roles, including Chief Treasury Secretary and Work and Pensions Secretary, resigning to support the Labour Government’s adoption policy for unmarried couples.

In June 1999, Bercow was appointed Front Bench Spokesman for Education & Employment, followed by roles in Home Affairs and the Treasury. His dedication to public service continued with his appointment as Shadow Minister for Work & Pensions in 2002 and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development in 2003. By 2007, he led a significant review for the Department for Children, Schools and Families, resulting in substantial funding increases for children with speech, language, and communication needs.

Appointed to the Speaker’s Conference on Parliamentary Representation in 2008, Bercow addressed disparities in representation within the House of Commons. He succeeded Speaker Martin on June 22, 2009, with a mission to empower backbenchers and enhance Parliament’s role beyond merely supporting the government.

Bercow’s tenure was marked by notable reforms. He modernized parliamentary attire, expanded the use of ‘Urgent Questions,’ increased Prime Minister’s Questions time, and replaced the parliamentary shooting range with a nursery. He facilitated Barack Obama’s address to both Houses of Parliament and opposed an invitation to Donald Trump, citing concerns about racism and sexism. He also enabled the UK Youth Parliament to debate in the Commons chamber, a tradition he chaired for a decade.

John Bercow, a prominent figure in British politics, served as Speaker of the House of Commons for a decade, influencing parliamentary practices and championing reforms. His career spanned various significant roles, from MP for Buckingham to leading reviews and conferences that shaped public policy. Bercow remains a respected voice on political and social issues, recognized for his commitment to representation and modernization within Parliament.