The Bercow bounce, and possible fall...

The new Speaker, John Bercow, has made a great start. I frequently tweet on Bercow's performance in PMQ's, as he is constantly reflecting popular opinion. A PoliticsHome poll shows how Bercow is strongly liked amongst the public for his reformist attitudes, which include rightly calming the house down and removing the traditional dress of Speaker's.

However, the poll shows how the support for the Speaker comes more from the Labour and Liberal Democrat sides, and that the Tories are less positive. This is clearly reflected in PMQ's, such as in the last PMQ's this side of the recess, David Cameron hit back at the Speaker when he and Brown were asked to be shorter with questions and answers to allow backbenches to have more of a say. Whilst the poll has not asked the public about their views of the Speaker's requirement for shorter comments, there seemed to be renowned support by the backbenches. Furthermore, I also agree with him, as this is one of the few times the backbenches can ask questions that the public will more likely be able to hear.

It is becoming clearer that the popular view that the Tories, if they win, will attempt to remove Bercow is not without foundation. The Tories were hardly rejoicing when the news of the new speaker broke, as his New Labour links frighten them. However, if they do find a reason to try and oust him, with polls and news stories showing how he has provided a more positive image towards parliament for the public (but is far from restoring the image), then this will just show how out of touch the Tories are. They will discount popular opinion for the sake of political capital, and will show their distrust in the convention of partiality of the Speaker. Instead, they should show that they support the democratic process and election of the Speaker, and trust that he is being equal to all political parties.

Whether or not the Tories will remain with Bercow, if they are elected, is uncertain. Nevertheless, it is important to recognise the improvements Bercow has made to the house and how he has captured popular attention with his more modern and down to earth approach. Whether the Tories will further demonstrate their outdated and mistrusted attitude towards the public, is an important question that remains to be answered.