John Bercow’s decade-long tenure as Commons Speaker concluded, leaving an indelible mark on British parliamentary history. Known for his booming calls of “Order!” and an occasionally theatrical style, Bercow became a figure of considerable public recognition, even a cult figure on social media, far beyond the usual profile of a Speaker. His speakership, however, was more than just memorable catchphrases; it was marked by a distinct approach to the role, one that data reveals set him apart from his predecessors.
A Speaker Who Spoke: Bercow’s Vocal Presence in Parliament
Traditionally, the Speaker is expected to be a neutral arbiter, guiding debates but not dominating them. Analysis of Hansard, the official record of Parliamentary debates, over the last century, however, reveals a striking departure from this norm under John Bercow. He wasn’t just presiding; he was actively participating, verbally at least, to a degree unseen in recent history.
The data demonstrates a significantly higher proportion of words spoken by Bercow compared to previous Speakers. Whether this stemmed from an increase in procedural interventions, a more fractious political climate requiring firmer handling, or simply a more loquacious Speaker is open to interpretation. Regardless, Bercow’s willingness to engage verbally in the “Parliamentary fray” was a defining characteristic of his speakership.
Beyond “Order!”: Bercow’s Distinctive Lexicon
Bercow’s linguistic style extended beyond his famous cry of “Order!”. He cultivated a vocabulary that was notably more colourful and, at times, esoteric than his predecessors. Described by one MP as someone who “reads a thesaurus” nightly, Bercow sprinkled parliamentary discourse with words rarely, if ever, heard from the Speaker’s chair before.
Words like “chuntering”, “sedentary,” and “obstreperous” became Bercow trademarks. He occasionally ventured further afield, using terms like “Demosthenian,” “Einsteinian,” and even “jackanapes.” This distinctive vocabulary contributed to his unique persona and added an unexpected flavour to parliamentary proceedings.
Brexit’s Speaker: Navigating Unprecedented Political Tides
John Bercow’s speakership coincided with one of the most politically turbulent periods in recent British history: Brexit. The data vividly illustrates the dominance of this issue during his tenure.
The sheer frequency of “Brexit” in Hansard during Bercow’s speakership underscores its overwhelming importance. His procedural decisions during the Brexit debates were particularly noteworthy and controversial. Allowing backbench MPs to steer the parliamentary agenda, enabling legislation to prevent a no-deal Brexit, cemented his role as a pivotal figure in the Brexit saga. These interventions, while praised by some as upholding parliamentary sovereignty, drew fierce criticism from others who viewed them as partisan and unconstitutional.
A Louder House: The Evolution of Parliamentary Applause
Another subtle but significant shift during Bercow’s time as Speaker was the gradual acceptance of applause in the House of Commons. Historically frowned upon, applause was largely absent from parliamentary debates for centuries.
While initially maintaining the tradition against applause, Bercow later adopted a more pragmatic approach, acknowledging that spontaneous bursts of applause were sometimes best left to run their course. This evolution reflected a broader shift towards a slightly less formal and perhaps more expressive parliamentary atmosphere.
In conclusion, John Bercow’s speakership was statistically and stylistically distinct. Data analysis of Hansard confirms his more vocal presence, unique vocabulary, and the Brexit-dominated context of his tenure. Beyond the numbers, he will be remembered as a Commons Speaker who broke with tradition, courted controversy, and ultimately left a lasting, and often loud, imprint on British parliamentary life.
