Leading article: Throw open the doors for fresh air of reform
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From the Monday Club to the Speaker's chair of the House of Commons, it has been quite a journey for John Bercow. But will the Tory MP for Buckingham be the Speaker the House of Commons, in its present humiliated state, needs?
There are some reasons for hope, despite Mr Bercow becoming embroiled in the expenses scandal himself. One is that Mr Bercow is not a party grandee. What the House needs at the present moment is a dynamic Speaker, someone prepared to throw open the doors and let in the fresh air of reform.
Another cause for optimism is that Mr Bercow has given some serious thought to what he wants to do with the job. His idea of being an "ambassador" for the Commons is a decent one. The question of the new Speaker's ability to command the respect of the House is more complicated.
Mr Bercow enjoys popularity on the Labour benches, but rather less on his own and has work to do to convince his own party he will be fair. Yet there is a danger in unrealistic expectations of what the Speaker, alone, can accomplish.
It was individual MPs who over-claimed on expenses and tried to block reform. It will be for the House, as a collective body, to begin the long, slow process of regaining the public's respect.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments