John Bercow, 46, a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party, is the newest speaker of the House of Commons. He assumes the ranks as the youngest speaker in 170 years. Bercow follows a long line of predecessors. He is the first speaker to opt not to wear the traditional wig and gown, and this is perhaps an indication of his attitude and what is to come as he oversees the House of Commons.
Many have sought to portray this election as favourable including the Prime Minister Gordon Brown who equates the election with a breaking away from the old establishment. However, we must be wary not to be misled nor let this election serve as a smokescreen to the underlying issues.
Bercow won a majority of the three votes held, but only three of his fellow party members voted for him. Many believe that he became friendly with the Labour Party to get this role and in doing so has upset his party.
Conservative MP, Nadine Dorries, stated to the BBC that Bercow’s ascension to this position “was a vindictive political act on behalf of the Labour Party toward what they see to be the future Conservative government and the British people”. Since Bercow, elected as a Conservative MP seems to align with Labour, many wonder what effect this will have on the future. The Speaker of the House wields a great amount of power in this chamber, as he chooses who speaks, and what issues are to be debated. Bercow, as speaker can be selective and can choose issues that favour the ruling party. Bercow is very liberal on many issues and this could have a potent impact on issues affecting Christians.
This is evidenced in Bercow’s previous policy stances. Last year when the now enacted Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 was still in Bill form, Bercow supported many of the dangerous, anti-life liberalizing amendments.
Beyond the policies and recent voting, it is clear that Christians cannot remain passive but are charged to do something in the midst of this politically ambiguous climate. Let us pray for our leaders, as stated in 1 Timothy 2: 2-4. Pray. Let us continually consider wise and appropriate political action.