Is John Bercow still an MP?
GMB: John Bercow calls Boris Johnson a 'puppy dog'  FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Ex Common's Speaker and former Conservative MP John Bercow has tonight revealed he has switched allegiances to join the Labour Party. Mr Bercow launched a scathing attack on his former party, saying he regards the Tories under Boris Johnson as "reactionary, populist, nationalistic and sometimes even xenophobic". Mr Bercow stepped down as Speaker in 2019 and he announced on Saturday he joined the Labour Party in recent weeks. He told The Observer: "I am motivated by support for equality, social justice and internationalism. That is the Labour brand. "The conclusion I have reached is that this Government needs to be replaced. "The reality is that the Labour Party is the only vehicle that can achieve that objective. There is no other credible option." Mr Bercow was the first MP since Selwyn Lloyd to be elected Speaker without having first been a Deputy Speaker. Until his election as Speaker, he served as Conservative MP for Buckingham. The Speaker of the House of Commons chairs debates in the Commons chamber, the current Speaker is Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Chorley, Lancashire. John Bercow: The former speaker launched a scathing attack on Mr Johnson and the Tory party  During debates, it is the Speaker's job to keep order and call on MPs to speak. In accordance with convention, following election as Speaker the chosen person must rescind their party membership. Mr Bercow was a Tory MP for 12 years until he was elected Speaker in 2009. He was perhaps most well known for his scathing put-downs and his unique way of shouting "order" during parliamentary debates. Trending  READ MORE Bercow brands Boris Johnson 'a liar' as former Speaker lashes out His career was dogged by allegations of bullying from parliamentary staff, accusations which he always denied. Mr Bercow was also the subject of scrutiny from Brexit-supporting MPs who believed a series of rulings he made during his time as Speaker favoured Remain. In September 2019, he announced his intention to stand down from the role, as well as MP for Buckingham, and vacated the Speaker's chair at the end of October that year. He claimed last year there was a "conspiracy" to stop him from getting a seat in the House of Lords. John Bercow: The former Tory MP has now defected to Labour  Labour nominated him for a peerage after the Tories declined to do so, breaking with the long-standing convention that Speakers are elevated once they retire. Asked if there is the possibility of being recommended for a peerage by Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Bercow told the Observer: "There has been no such discussion and I have asked for no such thing. "This isn't about revenge. That is not what motivates me." The Labour leader's office declined to comment on Mr Bercow joining the party.