John Bercow served as the Speaker of the House of Commons from 2009 to 2019, distinguishing himself as the first individual to hold the office four times since the Second World War. Elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Buckingham in 1997, his political trajectory spanned from right-wing party activism to presiding over the chamber as an independent official.
Early life and political foundations
Born in 1963 in Edgware, Bercow was the son of a taxi driver. He attended Frith Manor Primary School and Finchley Manorhill School before graduating with a first-class honours degree in government from the University of Essex in 1985. During his university years, he participated in the Conservative Monday Club. He later served as a councillor for the London Borough of Lambeth between 1986 and 1990, becoming the youngest deputy group leader in the United Kingdom in 1987.
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After unsuccessful attempts in the 1987 and 1992 general elections, Bercow secured the seat of Buckingham in 1997. He gained prominence in the opposition, serving as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2001 to 2002 and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development between 2003 and 2004. Throughout his tenure in the 52nd, 53rd, 55th, 56th, and 57th Parliaments, he remained a member for Buckingham until 2019.
The Speakership
In June 2009, following the resignation of Michael Martin, Bercow was elected Speaker of the House of Commons. Upon assuming this role, he left the Conservative Party to serve as an independent for the duration of his tenure. He presided over the house alongside four prime ministers and was re-elected unopposed at the start of the 2010, 2015, and 2017 Parliaments. He officially stood down as Speaker and MP on 31 October 2019.
Academic and professional activities
Following his parliamentary career, Bercow transitioned into academic and advisory roles. He served as Chancellor of the University of Essex from 2017 until 2021 and accepted a position as a part-time professor of politics at Royal Holloway, University of London, in 2020. His career has also included work in lobbying and merchant banking.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Edgware
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: University of Essex
- Speaker of the House of Commons: 2009–2019
- Member of Parliament for Buckingham: 1997–2019
- Religion: Judaism
- Languages: English
- Awards: James Joyce Awards
Questions readers ask
Was John Bercow a member of the Labour Party?
Yes, he joined the Labour Party in 2021 but was suspended in 2022.
Did Bercow serve as a university chancellor?
Yes, he was Chancellor of the University of Essex from 2017 to 2021.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Royal Holloway, University of London
- Educated at University of Essex
- Worked as politician and political scientist
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