John Bercow: biography

John Bercow MP is a prominent faces in British politics. He has been an encumbent Speaker of the House of Commons since June 2009, as well as a Member of Parliament since the 1997. This article outlines Bercow's pre-Political career and his achievements since entering Westminster, showing how he has become a notable public figure.

Begginings

Education John Bercow was born on 19th January 1963 in Edgware, Middlesex. After attending secondary school in Finchley, he progressed onto the University of Essex, where he graduated with a First class degree in Government in 1985. First political involvement Bercow became politically active at University, becoming Secretary of the Immigration and Repatriation Committee for the 'Monday Club', a pressure group affiliated with the Conservative Party.

Career

Unsuccessful election attempts In 1986, a year after graduating from University, John Bercow was elected as a Conservative Counsellor for the London Borough of Lambeth. He also, unsuccessfully, attempted to win parliamentary seats in the both the 1987 and 1992 General Elections, failing in Motherwell and Bristol South respectively. Election to the House of Commons Bercow was elected to parliament in 1997, with a majority win of 12,386. He managed to retain this seat for 2001, 2005 and 2010. In 2001 Bercow was appointed Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He held this position from September 2001 to July 2002. He then went on to be Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions from, July to November 2002. From November 2003 until June 2004 he was Shadow Secretary of State for International Development. On 22nd June 2009 he was elected by the House of Commons to be Speaker, a position which he still holds.

Achievements

Advanced speaking course Among John Bercow's noted achievements is the Advanced Speaking and Campaigning course which he ran for many years. With this course he trained hundreds of Conservative MPs how to use better language and communicate more effectively with their constituents. Media recognition

He was also awarded Channel 4's 'Opposition MP of the Year' award in 2005. This award recognises the abilities of Opposition MP's in challenging and holding the incumbent government to account. Cross party involvement In 2007, Bercow accepted an advisory role on the Labour Government's committee, investigating support for Children with communication difficulties. MP's expenses controversy Bercow's re-election as Speaker of the House of Commons in 2010 brought him into the glare of the public eye when he was challenged by Nigel Farage, former leader of UKIP, about his involvement in the 2010 MP's expenses scandal. It emerged that since Bercow assumed the office in the Speaker's residency, since 2009, he spent £45,581 of taxpayer money on renovating this space.