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Unspeakable: The Autobiography
Unspeakable is John Bercow's characteristically forthright and incisive account of his unique vantagepoint into British politics. Containing verdicts on many of the leading figures of this era, from Tony Blair to David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson, Bercow explores and explains the ways in which he has sought to democratise the business of Parliament, using the Speakership to champion the rights of backbench MPs and hold the government to account.
In his own words, "I made friends and enemies alike, but from start to finish I sought to do the right, rather than the convenient, thing and to be a decent public servant." From the start, Bercow tackles head-on his regretted fascination with definably right-wing attitudes and describes his inexorable march to more progressive thinking since his election as Member of Parliament for Buckingham in 1997. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the business of politics and how our democracy is - or should be - run, with fascinating insights into Bercow's family background and early interest in politics.
When Bercow retired as Speaker of the House of Commons on 31st October, he had become one of the most recognisable and iconoclastic figures in British politics, and had created a vacancy of huge importance. As Speaker since 2009 he had a ringside seat during one of the most febrile periods in modern British history, presiding over the Commons while it had to contend with key issues such as austerity in the light of the financial crisis; the coalition government between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats; and of course the most intractable problem of all - how to deliver on the 2016 referendum decision that Britain should leave the EU.
In his own words, "I made friends and enemies alike, but from start to finish I sought to do the right, rather than the convenient, thing and to be a decent public servant." From the start, Bercow tackles head-on his regretted fascination with definably right-wing attitudes and describes his inexorable march to more progressive thinking since his election as Member of Parliament for Buckingham in 1997. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the business of politics and how our democracy is - or should be - run, with fascinating insights into Bercow's family background and early interest in politics.
When Bercow retired as Speaker of the House of Commons on 31st October, he had become one of the most recognisable and iconoclastic figures in British politics, and had created a vacancy of huge importance. As Speaker since 2009 he had a ringside seat during one of the most febrile periods in modern British history, presiding over the Commons while it had to contend with key issues such as austerity in the light of the financial crisis; the coalition government between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats; and of course the most intractable problem of all - how to deliver on the 2016 referendum decision that Britain should leave the EU.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2020
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November 12, 2019Unspeakable is John Bercow's characteristically forthright and incisive account of his unique vantagepoint into British politics. Containing verdicts on many of the leading figures of this era, from Tony Blair to David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson, Bercow explores and explains the ways in which he has sought to democratise the business of Parliament, using the Speakership to champion the rights of backbench MPs and hold the government to account.
In his own words, "I made friends and enemies alike, but from start to finish I sought to do the right, rather than the convenient, thing and to be a decent public servant." From the start, Bercow tackles head-on his regretted fascination with definably right-wing attitudes and describes his inexorable march to more progressive thinking since his election as Member of Parliament for Buckingham in 1997. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the business of politics and how our democracy is - or should be - run, with fascinating insights into Bercow's family background and early interest in politics.
When Bercow retired as Speaker of the House of Commons on 31st October, he had become one of the most recognisable and iconoclastic figures in British politics, and had created a vacancy of huge importance. As Speaker since 2009 he had a ringside seat during one of the most febrile periods in modern British history, presiding over the Commons while it had to contend with key issues such as austerity in the light of the financial crisis; the coalition government between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats; and of course the most intractable problem of all - how to deliver on the 2016 referendum decision that Britain should leave the EU.
In his own words, "I made friends and enemies alike, but from start to finish I sought to do the right, rather than the convenient, thing and to be a decent public servant." From the start, Bercow tackles head-on his regretted fascination with definably right-wing attitudes and describes his inexorable march to more progressive thinking since his election as Member of Parliament for Buckingham in 1997. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the business of politics and how our democracy is - or should be - run, with fascinating insights into Bercow's family background and early interest in politics.
When Bercow retired as Speaker of the House of Commons on 31st October, he had become one of the most recognisable and iconoclastic figures in British politics, and had created a vacancy of huge importance. As Speaker since 2009 he had a ringside seat during one of the most febrile periods in modern British history, presiding over the Commons while it had to contend with key issues such as austerity in the light of the financial crisis; the coalition government between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats; and of course the most intractable problem of all - how to deliver on the 2016 referendum decision that Britain should leave the EU.
March 31, 2020
Highly interesting and engaging account of John Bercow’s 10 years plus as Speaker of the House of Commons. Great anecdotes and personal insights but sometimes let down by turning into a Headmaster’s report on MPs. Epilogue could have been pithier. Listened to on audiobook and got the added pleasure of listening to Bercow’s talent for impressions.
June 24, 2021
An excellent read, mainly an autobiography, but also describing the workings of Parliament over the past 20 years. Yes it is biased to show him in a good light, but then autobiographies always do. However, it does reveal Bercow's thoughts about many of his colleagues and as they are not always good (though can see that many are probably accurate) so there is no wonder that some MPs are not happy. It also describes incidents to show how the system itself can/does/may work.
March 27, 2020
Highly readable, honest and open. Will be worth a re-read when the Brexit dust has settled.
March 1, 2021
John Bercow’s extensive memoir provides an exhaustive account of his life in politics, from his early days as an arch-Thatcherite through his gradual conversion to a slightly-left-of-centre liberal, then appointment and decade-long tenure as Speaker of the House of Commons.
Beginning in medias res, the opening chapter (punningly entitled "Prorogue") catapults the reader into the eye of the Brexit storm, specifically to September 2019 and the aftermath of the government’s ill-judged (and as it turned out, illegal) attempt to shut down Parliament for five weeks. Never in all his time as Speaker, Bercow asserts, has he found the atmosphere in the House of Commons to be so toxic. This prelude serves as a taster to the book’s eleventh chapter, which deals with the minutiae of the UK’s troubled departure from the European Union and Bercow’s careful reasoning for charting the course that he did.
However, before this point in the narrative, Bercow takes the reader on an interesting and well-structured journey. The intervening chapters are logically laid out, dealing with his youth and entry into politics, his time as a back-bencher, elevation to the Chair, the day-to-day life of Mr Speaker, attempts to reform and modernise the House of Commons, his role as a parliamentary ambassador, friends and foes, party leaders, a rumination on what makes a good MP, and, following on from "The Brexit Imbroglio", some thoughts on the UK’s future direction.
By turns erudite and voluble, Bercow makes fair assessments of his colleagues, analysing both strengths and weaknesses, and being unafraid to give praise where it’s due (even to those with whom he didn’t see eye to eye). That said, where a damning critique is called for, no mot juste is left unemployed. Particular invective is aimed at certain individuals whom (he alleges) at one time or another schemed to have him removed from his post and failed. He reserves especial ire for “24-carat snob” David Cameron, summing up his premiership in biting terms:
While Unspeakable is certainly a long book, I found it engrossing: throwing a spotlight on aspects of political life that usually go unreported. I bought the Audible version as well, narrated by Bercow himself, who, it turns out, has an unxexpected talent for mimicry. For students of politics or anyone with a passing interest, given the UK’s turmoil of the last few years, this memoir provides a valuable and very well-written historical record. I highly recommend it.
Beginning in medias res, the opening chapter (punningly entitled "Prorogue") catapults the reader into the eye of the Brexit storm, specifically to September 2019 and the aftermath of the government’s ill-judged (and as it turned out, illegal) attempt to shut down Parliament for five weeks. Never in all his time as Speaker, Bercow asserts, has he found the atmosphere in the House of Commons to be so toxic. This prelude serves as a taster to the book’s eleventh chapter, which deals with the minutiae of the UK’s troubled departure from the European Union and Bercow’s careful reasoning for charting the course that he did.
However, before this point in the narrative, Bercow takes the reader on an interesting and well-structured journey. The intervening chapters are logically laid out, dealing with his youth and entry into politics, his time as a back-bencher, elevation to the Chair, the day-to-day life of Mr Speaker, attempts to reform and modernise the House of Commons, his role as a parliamentary ambassador, friends and foes, party leaders, a rumination on what makes a good MP, and, following on from "The Brexit Imbroglio", some thoughts on the UK’s future direction.
By turns erudite and voluble, Bercow makes fair assessments of his colleagues, analysing both strengths and weaknesses, and being unafraid to give praise where it’s due (even to those with whom he didn’t see eye to eye). That said, where a damning critique is called for, no mot juste is left unemployed. Particular invective is aimed at certain individuals whom (he alleges) at one time or another schemed to have him removed from his post and failed. He reserves especial ire for “24-carat snob” David Cameron, summing up his premiership in biting terms:
“In the pantheon of great leaders, the name of David Cameron will never feature. In a list of opportunist lightweights, it will be at the top.”
While Unspeakable is certainly a long book, I found it engrossing: throwing a spotlight on aspects of political life that usually go unreported. I bought the Audible version as well, narrated by Bercow himself, who, it turns out, has an unxexpected talent for mimicry. For students of politics or anyone with a passing interest, given the UK’s turmoil of the last few years, this memoir provides a valuable and very well-written historical record. I highly recommend it.
April 7, 2020
Bercow has been a protector of healthy democracy in difficult times. His autobiography is both a personal story and the story of parliamentary intrigue, oppressive legislature, defence of the rule of law, and championship of ethical values in arguably the most politically dangerous times since constitutional monarchy was established.
Bercow, like many of the people I most respect, like St Óscar Romero and Pope Francis, has undergone a conversion process (though not faith-based) from far-right ideologue to mature defender of human rights and human decency.
I have seen him once in the flesh, with his wife, at a Stonewall sponsored walk in Brighton, and my respect grew from then on “That’s a Tory, not on a photo op, supporting an issue that won’t make him many friends in his party or constituency!”
I wish he were still Speaker, if and when Parliament meets again.
Bercow, like many of the people I most respect, like St Óscar Romero and Pope Francis, has undergone a conversion process (though not faith-based) from far-right ideologue to mature defender of human rights and human decency.
I have seen him once in the flesh, with his wife, at a Stonewall sponsored walk in Brighton, and my respect grew from then on “That’s a Tory, not on a photo op, supporting an issue that won’t make him many friends in his party or constituency!”
I wish he were still Speaker, if and when Parliament meets again.
November 8, 2020
So interesting! I listened to the audio book, read in Bercow’s distinctive voice (which was posher than I excepted, for an Essex boy). For me, having lived in Britain since 2004, it was a valuable overview of domestic politics during that time. It’s full of insights as well as juicy tidbits, Bercow’s views of fellow parliamentarians, and an inside look at how Parliament functions. The evolution of the author’s political views is also fascinating. I would love to hear from him again in a few years, after the fallout from Brexit. Recommended, especially to listen to.
February 26, 2025
I thought that I'd really enjoy reading this when I saw it at Waterstones. I was glad to find that my local library had it so I borrowed it. I read it in about a week. I enjoyed it once I got past the wordy and long opening chapter but towards the end I got weary of it quite quickly. Bercow is clearly an articulate man. At points it became a list of those he liked and those he didn't like or going on about the wonderful things he had done. I think the tone of the book is what I struggled with most. I'm glad to have read it but would find it hard to recommend and will not be reading it again.
October 23, 2021
This is an interesting read given the nature of the role John Bercow filled as speaker. I liked how John was very honest about his political journey as a right wing anti-Europe Powellite Conservative in his youth it seems with influence from his father to becoming more of a left leaning pro-EU progressive as the times changed. Although he served as a member of the opposition front bench at times he was very much a rebel and backbencher at heart. The most notable achievement of John's career would have to be his reforms of the chamber, opening up of parliament by travelling to schools and championing of backbenchers. He was outspoken on some issues but seemed to remain neutral and not a government stooge
March 29, 2020
En spændende øjenvidneskildring fra en afgørende periode i britisk politik. Meget ærlig og spændende. Dog virker den sidste del lidt præget af fyldstof.
October 27, 2020
Nicely written, good background and insight into the selection process and inner workings of British Political system.
Scathing reviews of current conservative leaders included.
Scathing reviews of current conservative leaders included.
February 11, 2020
Bercow is characteristically forthright in his presentation of his thoughts and experiences during his Speakership. It was interesting to see a similar dedication to the idea of the House that former Speaker Betty Boothroyd showed in her own autobiography and it is very clear to see why both were ultimately elevated to the non-partisan position. I assume his detractors will feel like it was his final attempt to twist the knife but his candour seems genuine when he discusses his admiration for those he both got on with and didn’t, giving a balanced appraisal of their strengths and weaknesses that mus become apparent from the Chair.
February 20, 2023
I should caveat my review that the author was found by a parliamentary commission to have bullied at least three individuals during his time in the Chair, and given a mild penalty of revoking any right to an individual parliamentary pass. The author does address bullying accusations in the book (though this commission acted well after the book's publication), so ... I don't know what the truth is, but I'll proceed from what I strictly read in the book.
I found this book to be one of the defining books on what it's like to be a MP. The author is frank about himself, the people around him, and his own development as a politician. Certainly times change, and how the Conservative party selects candidates may change as well, but I was particularly struck by the author's journey to election, taking many years, selection processes, and constituencies. I also enjoy the author reflecting on his own evolution from right-wing firebrand, to Conservative maverick, to the a middle-of-the-road/left-leaning Speaker. His writing is enjoyable (I laughed out loud several times ... though I recognise some of his humorous remarks are probably a bit far...but nevertheless, funny). Anyone interested in Parliament or parliamentary books would learn a lot from this book. While the author gets into the "spicy" events of his political life, the majority is just about what it is like to be a MP, give examples of good/bad/off-the-charts MPs and ministers. I think the author communicates in such a way that it is not necessary to agree with him to follow his journey.
If you're looking for a mostly quick read about Parliament, and one MPs journey and perspective from the Speaker's chair, this is a good one.
I found this book to be one of the defining books on what it's like to be a MP. The author is frank about himself, the people around him, and his own development as a politician. Certainly times change, and how the Conservative party selects candidates may change as well, but I was particularly struck by the author's journey to election, taking many years, selection processes, and constituencies. I also enjoy the author reflecting on his own evolution from right-wing firebrand, to Conservative maverick, to the a middle-of-the-road/left-leaning Speaker. His writing is enjoyable (I laughed out loud several times ... though I recognise some of his humorous remarks are probably a bit far...but nevertheless, funny). Anyone interested in Parliament or parliamentary books would learn a lot from this book. While the author gets into the "spicy" events of his political life, the majority is just about what it is like to be a MP, give examples of good/bad/off-the-charts MPs and ministers. I think the author communicates in such a way that it is not necessary to agree with him to follow his journey.
If you're looking for a mostly quick read about Parliament, and one MPs journey and perspective from the Speaker's chair, this is a good one.
February 23, 2020
A bit of a marathon read, but a highly enjoyable and informative one - I commend this book to anyone interested in British politics of the last few years to read former Speaker Bercow’s memoir. Even if you don’t like the chap and his works he has some pithy insights into the characters of many parliamentarians. He mostly has good things to say about even those most opposed to him … but for The Maybot he clearly has nothing but contempt. I quote from his comment on the day she resigned as Prime Minister last year:
"Finally, a Prime Minister who had become notorious for her absence of empathy and her robotic reiteration of vacuous mantras, suddenly displayed raw emotion about giving up the leadership of the country she loved. There were tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat. I could understand how upsetting it must have been for her but, candidly, I could not feel much sympathy. There was no such emotion over the victims of Grenfell Tower, those affected by the Windrush scandal or the daily misery endured by the homeless and those dependent on the foodbanks that have mushroomed alarmingly across the UK over the last decade. She was tearful only when adversity affected her."
"Finally, a Prime Minister who had become notorious for her absence of empathy and her robotic reiteration of vacuous mantras, suddenly displayed raw emotion about giving up the leadership of the country she loved. There were tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat. I could understand how upsetting it must have been for her but, candidly, I could not feel much sympathy. There was no such emotion over the victims of Grenfell Tower, those affected by the Windrush scandal or the daily misery endured by the homeless and those dependent on the foodbanks that have mushroomed alarmingly across the UK over the last decade. She was tearful only when adversity affected her."
February 17, 2020
I found this book a very informative, personal and at times a moving account of John Bercows time in parliament and in some aspects of his personal life too.
A man who truly wants to reform, improve and uphold parliament procedures and infrastructures as well as the country, and to hold governments and leaders to account and scrutinizing policies and political stances for the better.
For more Bercow news, memes and support, please follow Baecow_Society on Instagram. 🗣
A man who truly wants to reform, improve and uphold parliament procedures and infrastructures as well as the country, and to hold governments and leaders to account and scrutinizing policies and political stances for the better.
For more Bercow news, memes and support, please follow Baecow_Society on Instagram. 🗣
January 6, 2021
Started in 2020 but finished in '21. A fascinating look into the role of Speaker and Bercows interpretation of the role. Sure, he's a polarising figure for some but in this book he comes across as not just deeply knowledgeable but deeply respectful of the office, Parliament and the Commons. Truth be told I did not know much of his personal history but his journey to the centre was quite a surprise to me.
Read during lockdown and finished off with a beer. First book of 2021 done!
Read during lockdown and finished off with a beer. First book of 2021 done!
January 17, 2022
To preface this, I am fascinated with politics so an autobiography written by the Speaker who presided over the Commons for 10 years wasn’t exactly going to be badly received by myself!
It didn’t disappoint - extremely interesting inside information from the chambers, however as other reviews said it sometimes felt like a headmaster’s report of other MPs behaviours or personality traits which is where a star is lost.
Hopefully once the whole Brexit debacle has died over we hear more!
It didn’t disappoint - extremely interesting inside information from the chambers, however as other reviews said it sometimes felt like a headmaster’s report of other MPs behaviours or personality traits which is where a star is lost.
Hopefully once the whole Brexit debacle has died over we hear more!
January 12, 2021
When you see the name Bercow what is seen? A moderate Tory and Brexit pantomime villian. I don't strictly agree with him on everything but the understanding of different opinions is important. Now I haven't completely decimated political integrity, we continue.
The known Bercow style of speech is present in writing, coming across mildly ridiculous in the pompous nature of his language. Despite this there still comes across a lack of ways to comment upon people, often essentially saying the same things in different ways when I would of preferred to be invited to judge personality from the stories. Throughout the book preferred phrases will repeat to an annoying extent, such as playing the ball not the man and being embarrassed not by someone but for someone, all worded in a rigid format that one would not expect.
The structure of the book revolves around the two defining features of his tenure as Speaker, Prorogue and Brexit. The former being the prologue (I must confess I failed to notice it was called the Prorogue until after I read the chapter) and Brexit being the last story before the conclusion/epilogue. This lead to the more philosophical chapters that feel they should be giving way to the ending being followed up by the biggest story of them all. Within that story I personally found it odd that he didn't mention the mood of the House when Theresa May lost her majority giving a speech. There is an element that this was a disjointed write, with smooth transitions between chapters and clunky shifts in them. The mentioning of titles, constituencies ect coming after first mention or even after playing a key role backed up the disorderly theory. For a wider structural style, the book acts more as a collection of short stories with some threads of comments between rather than a full narrative of his life. The early life section was as mercifully brief as it was dull, with the real intrigue coming from the inside and sometimes aloof of the Commans and parliament in general.
Despite my intentions, there's very little political campaigning within the book, an acknowledgement of beliefs and nothing more. To start with these felt like he had minimal grasp on beliefs and was just what the Conservatives are, but as we continue his beliefs solidify and he becomes much more confident. With this however comes the issue of him coming across like he thinks he's always right. While this is to be somewhat expected and he remains critical of his very problematic beliefs of his younger years in Parliament, elements such as how he chased his wife to date him felt off to me but there wasn't a sense of humility in the face of success. Even when emboldened, the instinct to be neutral doesn't play well, with failure to mention shortcomings of international figures such as Modi and condemning the genocide in Myanmar in remarkably light terms, saying the prime minister equivalent has lost international stock.
Bercow has had controversy in his time. The biggest one felt very poorly handled. In response to allegations of bullying he sites generic defences such as not being told or meaning no harm, without actually giving credence to those claiming harm. Not even an apology for offense caused. The way he talked about Angus Sinclair has the tone of disrespect without saying anything explicitly wrong, leading to a uncomfortable sensation. This does reflect his way of handling adversary. He seems to have a very emotional outlook and promotes the idea of people out to get him if they don't get along. The biggest example is Andrea Leadsom, whom I detest as a politician, and their clash. He seeks to show her as a dishonest and manipulate women but it feels extremely one sided and the idea a scathing remark from the chair could never affect her because of how she is in the Commans shows either a lack or a disregard for emotions. I don't believe his account is wrong, just a bit more empathy would of made it feel less like an undefended attack. An odd element I found is the lack of attention on his wife's affair. A simple she slept with my cousin, it hurt, we moved on was surprising for such a massive transgression. However once you see the acknowledgements, you'll notice how much oversight she had of the writing process so I feel it is plausible she gently hinted for a positive outlook and the affair was only noted because of how public it became and it's admission would have drawn greater attention.
To conclude (TLDR for all you who get bored after reading for 3 seconds (actually what are you even doing here)), the book has engaging parliamentary stories and interesting view points, with a slow opening and problematic elements either stemming from writing style or the fundamentals of the man. Expect some uncomfortable moments but if one can look past that or lacks a moral compass, there's enough to make it a worthwhile read. With it's repetition I'd recommend a slower reading style to not let it grate as it won't leave you behind.
The known Bercow style of speech is present in writing, coming across mildly ridiculous in the pompous nature of his language. Despite this there still comes across a lack of ways to comment upon people, often essentially saying the same things in different ways when I would of preferred to be invited to judge personality from the stories. Throughout the book preferred phrases will repeat to an annoying extent, such as playing the ball not the man and being embarrassed not by someone but for someone, all worded in a rigid format that one would not expect.
The structure of the book revolves around the two defining features of his tenure as Speaker, Prorogue and Brexit. The former being the prologue (I must confess I failed to notice it was called the Prorogue until after I read the chapter) and Brexit being the last story before the conclusion/epilogue. This lead to the more philosophical chapters that feel they should be giving way to the ending being followed up by the biggest story of them all. Within that story I personally found it odd that he didn't mention the mood of the House when Theresa May lost her majority giving a speech. There is an element that this was a disjointed write, with smooth transitions between chapters and clunky shifts in them. The mentioning of titles, constituencies ect coming after first mention or even after playing a key role backed up the disorderly theory. For a wider structural style, the book acts more as a collection of short stories with some threads of comments between rather than a full narrative of his life. The early life section was as mercifully brief as it was dull, with the real intrigue coming from the inside and sometimes aloof of the Commans and parliament in general.
Despite my intentions, there's very little political campaigning within the book, an acknowledgement of beliefs and nothing more. To start with these felt like he had minimal grasp on beliefs and was just what the Conservatives are, but as we continue his beliefs solidify and he becomes much more confident. With this however comes the issue of him coming across like he thinks he's always right. While this is to be somewhat expected and he remains critical of his very problematic beliefs of his younger years in Parliament, elements such as how he chased his wife to date him felt off to me but there wasn't a sense of humility in the face of success. Even when emboldened, the instinct to be neutral doesn't play well, with failure to mention shortcomings of international figures such as Modi and condemning the genocide in Myanmar in remarkably light terms, saying the prime minister equivalent has lost international stock.
Bercow has had controversy in his time. The biggest one felt very poorly handled. In response to allegations of bullying he sites generic defences such as not being told or meaning no harm, without actually giving credence to those claiming harm. Not even an apology for offense caused. The way he talked about Angus Sinclair has the tone of disrespect without saying anything explicitly wrong, leading to a uncomfortable sensation. This does reflect his way of handling adversary. He seems to have a very emotional outlook and promotes the idea of people out to get him if they don't get along. The biggest example is Andrea Leadsom, whom I detest as a politician, and their clash. He seeks to show her as a dishonest and manipulate women but it feels extremely one sided and the idea a scathing remark from the chair could never affect her because of how she is in the Commans shows either a lack or a disregard for emotions. I don't believe his account is wrong, just a bit more empathy would of made it feel less like an undefended attack. An odd element I found is the lack of attention on his wife's affair. A simple she slept with my cousin, it hurt, we moved on was surprising for such a massive transgression. However once you see the acknowledgements, you'll notice how much oversight she had of the writing process so I feel it is plausible she gently hinted for a positive outlook and the affair was only noted because of how public it became and it's admission would have drawn greater attention.
To conclude (TLDR for all you who get bored after reading for 3 seconds (actually what are you even doing here)), the book has engaging parliamentary stories and interesting view points, with a slow opening and problematic elements either stemming from writing style or the fundamentals of the man. Expect some uncomfortable moments but if one can look past that or lacks a moral compass, there's enough to make it a worthwhile read. With it's repetition I'd recommend a slower reading style to not let it grate as it won't leave you behind.
January 4, 2022
John Bercow's 'Epilogue: The Next Decade' in his autobiography, "Unspeakable", contains nuggets of parliamentary reform ideas and futuristic outlook that reform-oriented parliament can begin to think about or implement. You can read it for yourself.
Bercow has priceless advise to his immediate successor, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Labour MP for Chorley.
"My advice to Sir Lindsay, who had served dedicatedly under me as Deputy Speaker for nine years, is simple. First and foremost, stand up for backbenchers: they are more than three-quarters of the House. You are there to champion the legislature, not to bow to the executive. Secondly, challenge the Clerks who advise you on procedure. They are capable but cautious, sometimes absurdly so. Remember always that they advise, but you decide. Thirdly, don’t settle for the status quo. Strive for improvements in the running of the Chamber, the management of the Parliamentary Estate and the quality of Parliament’s engagement with the public."
This is a great contribution to parliamentary literature. It has given me great insights into the office of Speaker in UK's House of Commons and inner sanctums of British politics at Westminster. Oh, the kind of things I read in those pages!
The quotes I liked:
"Once the new Parliament was under way I sidled up to the senior Deputy Speaker, Sir Alan Haselhurst, who had day-to-day responsibility for appointing Members to the Panel of Chairs and expressed interest in joining. He was friendly, noted my interest but made no commitment. However, within days, I had a letter from him, confirming my appointment as from 7 June 2005. Soon afterwards, Eric Forth, Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst and himself a member of the panel, congratulated me and volunteered two immediate thoughts.
First, he told me that new members of the panel tended to be inducted gently – it might be at least six months and probably twelve before I was asked to chair a Bill, which ordinarily would be shared with a panel member from the other side of the House. I felt slightly deflated at the thought of such a wait as, typically, I was bursting with enthusiasm and self-confidence, wanting to get stuck in. Nevertheless, for once in my life, I made no fuss, simply indicating to the House officer whose task it was to find a chair for each Bill that I was ready to help whenever he wanted.
Eric’s second point was that if I had to rebuke a Labour Member for being ‘out of order’ – going on too long, off the subject, or using unparliamentary language – it was helpful to my credibility as an impartial chair to be able to rebuke someone from the Conservative side on the same day if possible. It was sound advice and I sought at once to follow it."
"Rancorous and brutal as it was, the prorogation row offered a kind of parallel with my tenure as Speaker. My entire approach in over a decade in the Chair was to seek to increase the relative authority and influence of the legislature, specifically the House of Commons, in its dealings with the executive, the government. It was never any part of my role to serve as a nodding donkey or quiescent lickspittle of the executive branch of our political system."
"The House of Commons of the future will, I suspect, because of the enduring power of the hardware factors that I outlined earlier, probably look quite similar in 2030 as 2020 (the green benches are pretty safe, I reckon) but its timetable may well have to be much more fluid and flexible than now. In that spirit, one senses that the arrival of remote electronic voting cannot be deferred for ever. For my part, I am a convert to the idea of electronic voting in the House of Commons – which would save us hours every week and hundreds of hours a year – and to the right to vote online in elections."
John Bercow writes in great detail about the "Brexit Imbroglio" in Chapter 11 of his autobiography, "Unspeakable". He expresses his displeasure at how Theresa May handled it. The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill contained two clauses and a total of just 66 words. As he reflects on Parliament's approval of the Bill, he writes that "it was folly bordering on insanity...the most important duty of Parliament is to hold the government to account. Approving [the Bill] did no such thing: it gave the government a blank cheque to pursue Brexit as it wished. In retrospect, it may well be seen as the gravest legislative error of my lifetime."
John Bercow recounts in Unspeakable the hilarious incident when he was in school and a boy was asked to read in class. He pronounced the name Beatrice 'Beet-rice'. But honestly, why is Beatrice pronounced Beet-rees and not Beet-rice? (my thoughts, though)
"In advocacy terms, that is what we used to call a “when did you stop beating your wife?” question. I do not accept the premise of the question. There is no question that the Supreme Court found in any way that any advice that had been given was consciously or knowingly misleading."
Bercow has priceless advise to his immediate successor, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Labour MP for Chorley.
"My advice to Sir Lindsay, who had served dedicatedly under me as Deputy Speaker for nine years, is simple. First and foremost, stand up for backbenchers: they are more than three-quarters of the House. You are there to champion the legislature, not to bow to the executive. Secondly, challenge the Clerks who advise you on procedure. They are capable but cautious, sometimes absurdly so. Remember always that they advise, but you decide. Thirdly, don’t settle for the status quo. Strive for improvements in the running of the Chamber, the management of the Parliamentary Estate and the quality of Parliament’s engagement with the public."
This is a great contribution to parliamentary literature. It has given me great insights into the office of Speaker in UK's House of Commons and inner sanctums of British politics at Westminster. Oh, the kind of things I read in those pages!
The quotes I liked:
"Once the new Parliament was under way I sidled up to the senior Deputy Speaker, Sir Alan Haselhurst, who had day-to-day responsibility for appointing Members to the Panel of Chairs and expressed interest in joining. He was friendly, noted my interest but made no commitment. However, within days, I had a letter from him, confirming my appointment as from 7 June 2005. Soon afterwards, Eric Forth, Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst and himself a member of the panel, congratulated me and volunteered two immediate thoughts.
First, he told me that new members of the panel tended to be inducted gently – it might be at least six months and probably twelve before I was asked to chair a Bill, which ordinarily would be shared with a panel member from the other side of the House. I felt slightly deflated at the thought of such a wait as, typically, I was bursting with enthusiasm and self-confidence, wanting to get stuck in. Nevertheless, for once in my life, I made no fuss, simply indicating to the House officer whose task it was to find a chair for each Bill that I was ready to help whenever he wanted.
Eric’s second point was that if I had to rebuke a Labour Member for being ‘out of order’ – going on too long, off the subject, or using unparliamentary language – it was helpful to my credibility as an impartial chair to be able to rebuke someone from the Conservative side on the same day if possible. It was sound advice and I sought at once to follow it."
"Rancorous and brutal as it was, the prorogation row offered a kind of parallel with my tenure as Speaker. My entire approach in over a decade in the Chair was to seek to increase the relative authority and influence of the legislature, specifically the House of Commons, in its dealings with the executive, the government. It was never any part of my role to serve as a nodding donkey or quiescent lickspittle of the executive branch of our political system."
"The House of Commons of the future will, I suspect, because of the enduring power of the hardware factors that I outlined earlier, probably look quite similar in 2030 as 2020 (the green benches are pretty safe, I reckon) but its timetable may well have to be much more fluid and flexible than now. In that spirit, one senses that the arrival of remote electronic voting cannot be deferred for ever. For my part, I am a convert to the idea of electronic voting in the House of Commons – which would save us hours every week and hundreds of hours a year – and to the right to vote online in elections."
John Bercow writes in great detail about the "Brexit Imbroglio" in Chapter 11 of his autobiography, "Unspeakable". He expresses his displeasure at how Theresa May handled it. The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill contained two clauses and a total of just 66 words. As he reflects on Parliament's approval of the Bill, he writes that "it was folly bordering on insanity...the most important duty of Parliament is to hold the government to account. Approving [the Bill] did no such thing: it gave the government a blank cheque to pursue Brexit as it wished. In retrospect, it may well be seen as the gravest legislative error of my lifetime."
John Bercow recounts in Unspeakable the hilarious incident when he was in school and a boy was asked to read in class. He pronounced the name Beatrice 'Beet-rice'. But honestly, why is Beatrice pronounced Beet-rees and not Beet-rice? (my thoughts, though)
"In advocacy terms, that is what we used to call a “when did you stop beating your wife?” question. I do not accept the premise of the question. There is no question that the Supreme Court found in any way that any advice that had been given was consciously or knowingly misleading."
January 4, 2021
I've been reading this on and off for ages. It's an intriguing account by the former House of Commons speaker of his political career. It has a definite "he wrote it himself" feel, which makes some of the structure a bit idiosyncratic but definitely adds to the charm (how humiliated I will be if a secret ghostwriter is subsequently revealed). Bercow himself comes across as an interesting if perhaps somewhat difficult character. One can see how his lack of circumspection might well have struck some as inappropriate in a parliamentary speaker.
Part of the fun with this book is his judgement on his political contemporaries. He is scathing about Theresa May, describing her as vying with Anthony Eden for the title of worst prime minister since 1945. His real ire however is reserved for David Cameron, for whom he seems to have a deep personal loathing, hating Cameron as a privileged rich kid who coasted into a political career that was never more than a game (Bercow on the other hand was educated in a state-school and comes from a more humble background (though not really one that would be characterised as working class)). He is less than fond of Boris Johnson for similar reasons but without the personal animus. Politicians he is surprisingly fond of include Jacob Rees-Mogg and Michael Gove, on account of their good manners and respect for propriety (notwithstanding their lying to the Queen about the reasons for parliament's proroguing). He also makes gracious comments about Gordon Brown, Jo Swinson, Stella Creasy, and Bill Cash. The last one there is surprising, given that Cash is an arch-Brexiter while Bercow let it be known that he voted remain; his praise of Cash is as a parliamentarian who successfully used his membership of parliament to advance his goal, the removal of the UK from the EU, which Bercow sees him as having done extemely effectively regardless of whether one thinks that goal was actually worth pursuing.
Aside from the political stuff, the picture of Bercow's relationship with his wife Sally is also engaging. Their relationship comes across as unconventional and not without its problems but Sally shows up repeatedly throughout the book to offer useful advice. This is typically on matters administrative rather than purely political, though I think the fact that she was never a Conservative supporter must have played a part in Bercow's own political journey.
I would have liked more about Bercow's relations with the parliamentary officials who provide him with procedural advice and handle the administration of the Commons. There are some hints that these were sometimes fraught, with Bercow wanting to push reform of the Commons in directions the officials found distasteful, while on some key points Bercow declined to follow the officials' procedural advice. In this regard I found the index particularly irksome - it is next to impossible to look up the officials by their titles, so there is no easy way of checking through the book for references to his relationship with them. I suspect though that persons who do not share my professional interest will not find this a problem.
In short therefore I recommend this to anyone who is interested in a partial account of the political coalface during a momentous period of time (Bercow's stint as speaker saw three general elections, four prime ministers, the first UK coalition government since 1945, and the Brexit referendum). The one poignant moment comes when Bercow talks about his own future and suggests that he might occasionally contribute in the House of Lords on topics he is interested in, taking for granted that as a former speaker of the Commons he will be made a peer; alas, he reckoned without Boris Johnson's enmity and the blocking of his ennoblement.
Part of the fun with this book is his judgement on his political contemporaries. He is scathing about Theresa May, describing her as vying with Anthony Eden for the title of worst prime minister since 1945. His real ire however is reserved for David Cameron, for whom he seems to have a deep personal loathing, hating Cameron as a privileged rich kid who coasted into a political career that was never more than a game (Bercow on the other hand was educated in a state-school and comes from a more humble background (though not really one that would be characterised as working class)). He is less than fond of Boris Johnson for similar reasons but without the personal animus. Politicians he is surprisingly fond of include Jacob Rees-Mogg and Michael Gove, on account of their good manners and respect for propriety (notwithstanding their lying to the Queen about the reasons for parliament's proroguing). He also makes gracious comments about Gordon Brown, Jo Swinson, Stella Creasy, and Bill Cash. The last one there is surprising, given that Cash is an arch-Brexiter while Bercow let it be known that he voted remain; his praise of Cash is as a parliamentarian who successfully used his membership of parliament to advance his goal, the removal of the UK from the EU, which Bercow sees him as having done extemely effectively regardless of whether one thinks that goal was actually worth pursuing.
Aside from the political stuff, the picture of Bercow's relationship with his wife Sally is also engaging. Their relationship comes across as unconventional and not without its problems but Sally shows up repeatedly throughout the book to offer useful advice. This is typically on matters administrative rather than purely political, though I think the fact that she was never a Conservative supporter must have played a part in Bercow's own political journey.
I would have liked more about Bercow's relations with the parliamentary officials who provide him with procedural advice and handle the administration of the Commons. There are some hints that these were sometimes fraught, with Bercow wanting to push reform of the Commons in directions the officials found distasteful, while on some key points Bercow declined to follow the officials' procedural advice. In this regard I found the index particularly irksome - it is next to impossible to look up the officials by their titles, so there is no easy way of checking through the book for references to his relationship with them. I suspect though that persons who do not share my professional interest will not find this a problem.
In short therefore I recommend this to anyone who is interested in a partial account of the political coalface during a momentous period of time (Bercow's stint as speaker saw three general elections, four prime ministers, the first UK coalition government since 1945, and the Brexit referendum). The one poignant moment comes when Bercow talks about his own future and suggests that he might occasionally contribute in the House of Lords on topics he is interested in, taking for granted that as a former speaker of the Commons he will be made a peer; alas, he reckoned without Boris Johnson's enmity and the blocking of his ennoblement.
October 6, 2020
Before I bought this book, I really did not know what to expect. A lot of the reviews were very mixed - some absolutely scathing, and some gave top marks. Notwithstanding my concern at the poor reviews (although this will teach me), I decided to press ahead and I am glad I did.
There is no doubt that John Bercow has an ego, and this was really what some of the poorer reviews of the book appeared to suggest - that this was all the book was about. However, I did not find it at all about how "wonderful" Mr Bercow was in the world of Bercow. I found a very honest, at times humble personal appraisal, firstly as a Conservative MP, then as Speaker of the Commons and finally as a man. It is true that he certainly does not mix his words when describing his negative views of a number of politicians (mostly of whom, appear to have been Conservative!). But he is also fair, and can evidence why he holds those views. He is also balanced, and acknowledges the strengths of his foes as well as his view as to their weaknesses.
Above all, the read is a fascinating insight into the workings of the Speaker's office, Parliament and much of what we saw in the crazy Brexit debating months leading up to the last General Election, and why Bercow acted as he did are explained by Bercow in a clear and entertaining way. I would urge those who are interested in politics and history to take a chance with this book. I think in time (regardless of your political persuasion) Bercow will be remembered as one of the bravest and finest Speakers this country has ever had, and moreover, he should be remembered as a true democrat, at the very time when one was needed.
There is no doubt that John Bercow has an ego, and this was really what some of the poorer reviews of the book appeared to suggest - that this was all the book was about. However, I did not find it at all about how "wonderful" Mr Bercow was in the world of Bercow. I found a very honest, at times humble personal appraisal, firstly as a Conservative MP, then as Speaker of the Commons and finally as a man. It is true that he certainly does not mix his words when describing his negative views of a number of politicians (mostly of whom, appear to have been Conservative!). But he is also fair, and can evidence why he holds those views. He is also balanced, and acknowledges the strengths of his foes as well as his view as to their weaknesses.
Above all, the read is a fascinating insight into the workings of the Speaker's office, Parliament and much of what we saw in the crazy Brexit debating months leading up to the last General Election, and why Bercow acted as he did are explained by Bercow in a clear and entertaining way. I would urge those who are interested in politics and history to take a chance with this book. I think in time (regardless of your political persuasion) Bercow will be remembered as one of the bravest and finest Speakers this country has ever had, and moreover, he should be remembered as a true democrat, at the very time when one was needed.
May 5, 2021
Bercow gives a detailed account of his personal development from a North London boy to the Speaker of the House. Maybe a bit long on the enumeration of the many other MPs he has worked alongside during his career with their respective constituencies, party affiliations and committee memberships.
Bercow comes across as more of a reformer than a (small or capital C) conservative. After striving for a long time to win himself a safe seat for the Tories in the House of Commons, he finally achieved this only when his party went into opposition. The first part of the book is mainly about the author apologizing for most of his earlier views and standpoints. He redeems himself by continuously applying himself to modernisation of the workings of parliament and for transparency in the political process, often going against his own party leaders and against some of his senior staff, before he moved into the spotlights of the parliamentary debates on Brexit.
I read the book in a Dutch translation, which sometimes misses the puns of the English language or the finer points of Westminster procedure: the prologue on the prime minister’s prerogative of prorogation doesn’t make easy reading. There was a team of translators involved, who at some instances miss the essence (Bennite is not the name of an MP and White Cossacks are not a race).
Bercow comes across as more of a reformer than a (small or capital C) conservative. After striving for a long time to win himself a safe seat for the Tories in the House of Commons, he finally achieved this only when his party went into opposition. The first part of the book is mainly about the author apologizing for most of his earlier views and standpoints. He redeems himself by continuously applying himself to modernisation of the workings of parliament and for transparency in the political process, often going against his own party leaders and against some of his senior staff, before he moved into the spotlights of the parliamentary debates on Brexit.
I read the book in a Dutch translation, which sometimes misses the puns of the English language or the finer points of Westminster procedure: the prologue on the prime minister’s prerogative of prorogation doesn’t make easy reading. There was a team of translators involved, who at some instances miss the essence (Bennite is not the name of an MP and White Cossacks are not a race).
January 18, 2023
Mit John Bercow verließ am 31.Oktober 2019 eines der bekanntesten Gesichter das britische Parlament. Zehn Jahre lang war er der Sprecher des Unterhauses. In seiner Biografie erzählt er nicht nur aus dieser Zeit, sondern auch aus der Zeit als Parlamentsmitglieds von der Zeit Tony Blairs bis Boris Johnson.
Mein erster Gedanke war "wie kann ein so interessanter Mann ein so langweiliges Buch schreiben?" Wahrscheinlich war mein Fehler, nur die Geschichte des Speakers, der immer wieder "Order" ruft, zu erwarten. Das ist Unspeakable sicherlich nicht. Vielmehr ist es die Geschichte eines Mannes, der als Mitglieds des britischen Parlaments die Möglichkeit hatte, eine Aufgabe wahrzunehmen, in der er mehr in der Öffentlichkeit stand. So habe ich ihn kennengelernt, aber natürlich gibt es auch ein Leben davor und aus dem erzählt er ausführlich.
Die britische Politik seit den frühen 1990ern ist nicht unspannend, aber sie wird ein bisschen zäh, wenn man so ins Detail geht, wie Bercow es macht. Vieles was er erwähnt, habe ich nicht mitbekommen und so hatte ich immer wieder weiße Stellen im Gesamtbild. Aber so langweilig, wie ich anfangs vermutet habe, war das Buch doch nicht. Allerdings habe ich den Eindruck gewonnen, dass John Bercows größer Fan John Bercow selbst ist und überlege deshalb, ob ich fürs Gesamtbild ein Buch über ihn und nicht von ihm lesen soll.
Mein erster Gedanke war "wie kann ein so interessanter Mann ein so langweiliges Buch schreiben?" Wahrscheinlich war mein Fehler, nur die Geschichte des Speakers, der immer wieder "Order" ruft, zu erwarten. Das ist Unspeakable sicherlich nicht. Vielmehr ist es die Geschichte eines Mannes, der als Mitglieds des britischen Parlaments die Möglichkeit hatte, eine Aufgabe wahrzunehmen, in der er mehr in der Öffentlichkeit stand. So habe ich ihn kennengelernt, aber natürlich gibt es auch ein Leben davor und aus dem erzählt er ausführlich.
Die britische Politik seit den frühen 1990ern ist nicht unspannend, aber sie wird ein bisschen zäh, wenn man so ins Detail geht, wie Bercow es macht. Vieles was er erwähnt, habe ich nicht mitbekommen und so hatte ich immer wieder weiße Stellen im Gesamtbild. Aber so langweilig, wie ich anfangs vermutet habe, war das Buch doch nicht. Allerdings habe ich den Eindruck gewonnen, dass John Bercows größer Fan John Bercow selbst ist und überlege deshalb, ob ich fürs Gesamtbild ein Buch über ihn und nicht von ihm lesen soll.
October 15, 2020
This is the first book I've read written by a politician about their own political life.
I wanted to read this as I fell in love with the character of speaker. Larger than life, arrogant in tha tit was wonderful to see politicians I disliked put in their place. As Bercow tells when he was green and new to the job, an important minister upset him and he needed a talking to! Bercow told his clerk he was going to see him. "No," the clerk said, "You call him to your office at a specified time and you don't offer him coffee." And that was the Speaker for the next nine years. Though to be fair, tha tis all speakers. The new one, dreadful with names, told Johnson off the other week for waffling and not answering the question.
It is a fascinating read, even if you have no interest in politics. It is a book of the times, namely Brexit. I learnt about politicians, I like Jacob Rees Mogg more and I disklike May, Cameron and Johnson as much as I ever did. Gove is as oily as I expected!
His views on the state of the UK is very interesting.
I learnt a lot from this autobiography.
My next will be the autobiography of Gordon Brown. He made fish fingers and Chips for Bercow and the children! Why are the British so inept at choosing their leaders?
I wanted to read this as I fell in love with the character of speaker. Larger than life, arrogant in tha tit was wonderful to see politicians I disliked put in their place. As Bercow tells when he was green and new to the job, an important minister upset him and he needed a talking to! Bercow told his clerk he was going to see him. "No," the clerk said, "You call him to your office at a specified time and you don't offer him coffee." And that was the Speaker for the next nine years. Though to be fair, tha tis all speakers. The new one, dreadful with names, told Johnson off the other week for waffling and not answering the question.
It is a fascinating read, even if you have no interest in politics. It is a book of the times, namely Brexit. I learnt about politicians, I like Jacob Rees Mogg more and I disklike May, Cameron and Johnson as much as I ever did. Gove is as oily as I expected!
His views on the state of the UK is very interesting.
I learnt a lot from this autobiography.
My next will be the autobiography of Gordon Brown. He made fish fingers and Chips for Bercow and the children! Why are the British so inept at choosing their leaders?
February 16, 2022
An engaging and fascinating memoir from one of the most interesting figures in recent political history. The reader gets a real insight into Bercow's political journey from hard right, conservative Thatcherite in his younger days to socially progressive, centrist, pro-EU speaker of the House of Commons. Bercow's book is largely a defence of the importance of parliament, and the need to support and strengthen the voice of MPs against overbearing governments. Bercow lays out the functions of parliament and the reforms he brought in during his tenure, so it's definitely one for the political nerds. Like any political memoir, it's also used to settle some scores against opponents and critics, which provided some memorable snubs, including:
- "In the pantheon of great leaders, the name of David Cameron will never feature. In a list of opportunist lightweights, it will be at the top." (Chapter 9)
- "She stumbled on, day to day, lacking clarity, vision, and the capacity to forge a better Britain. In a contest as to who has been the worst Prime Minister since 1945, it is hard to choose between Anthony Eden and Theresa May" (Chapter 9)
- "In the pantheon of great leaders, the name of David Cameron will never feature. In a list of opportunist lightweights, it will be at the top." (Chapter 9)
- "She stumbled on, day to day, lacking clarity, vision, and the capacity to forge a better Britain. In a contest as to who has been the worst Prime Minister since 1945, it is hard to choose between Anthony Eden and Theresa May" (Chapter 9)
March 16, 2020
Overlong, verbose and self serving, this nevertheless does have some redeeming qualities.
The pen potraits of the leading players of the day (Blair, Cameron, May, Johnson and Corbyn), often accompanyed by pretty good impersonations (I listened to the audioversion), are funny and often savage.
You also come away with a better understanding of the machinery and process of the UK legislature, and Bercow, in the the summing up section, makes good recommendations for further reform.
But there is a complete absence of any contrition, or even self awareness, around his style (or possibly bullying depending on who you believe), or the personal crisis he must have felt when his wife's affair became public.
The lengthy references to the byzatine and tortuous machinations of the Brexit process, already seem irrelevant and dated, overrun by fast moving politics, and the 2020 General Election.
If this was around half the length, and got to the point, this would have been a vastly improved read (or listen)
The pen potraits of the leading players of the day (Blair, Cameron, May, Johnson and Corbyn), often accompanyed by pretty good impersonations (I listened to the audioversion), are funny and often savage.
You also come away with a better understanding of the machinery and process of the UK legislature, and Bercow, in the the summing up section, makes good recommendations for further reform.
But there is a complete absence of any contrition, or even self awareness, around his style (or possibly bullying depending on who you believe), or the personal crisis he must have felt when his wife's affair became public.
The lengthy references to the byzatine and tortuous machinations of the Brexit process, already seem irrelevant and dated, overrun by fast moving politics, and the 2020 General Election.
If this was around half the length, and got to the point, this would have been a vastly improved read (or listen)
December 31, 2020
John Bercow's autobiography was a struggle to finish and at best was an okay read.
Is that to say that it is without merit? No, the discussion of his journey to MP, early Parliamentary career and rise to Speaker was interesting and enjoyable. Sadly the book goes downhill once these parts are over.
This book for the most part is a way of Bercow of settling old political scores as well as a way of giving his opinion on everyone and everything he can. His criticism on many come off as petty and vindictive but the is one individual that Bercow goes for at insinuating rate, David Cameron. Cameron can be criticised for various reasons but the way Bercow does it is not from an objective standpoint but from a clearly deep hatred. Bercow does not come off well.
I think this book would be enjoyed more by those who are of a remain or left political viewpoint but still there are much better political memoirs out there.
Is that to say that it is without merit? No, the discussion of his journey to MP, early Parliamentary career and rise to Speaker was interesting and enjoyable. Sadly the book goes downhill once these parts are over.
This book for the most part is a way of Bercow of settling old political scores as well as a way of giving his opinion on everyone and everything he can. His criticism on many come off as petty and vindictive but the is one individual that Bercow goes for at insinuating rate, David Cameron. Cameron can be criticised for various reasons but the way Bercow does it is not from an objective standpoint but from a clearly deep hatred. Bercow does not come off well.
I think this book would be enjoyed more by those who are of a remain or left political viewpoint but still there are much better political memoirs out there.
June 24, 2020
This is less of an autobiography and more a memoir of Bercow's time in the chair. An an excellent memoir it is, it was refreshing to get into the mind of the most impartial office in the House of Commons and finally learn what he really thinks of some of the great political figures of the last 20 years.
He addresses the accusations of bullying, his wife's affair, and his history of association with hard-right racist Conservative groups, all is a commendable and honest fashion. Although this book reads clearly and succinctly, Bercow is no author and it's by far not the best written book I've ever read. However I enjoyed it thoroughly and I look forward to shelving it for future reading, and I am excited to see where this incredibly intelligent and honorable man takes his career next.
Actual rating: 4.2
He addresses the accusations of bullying, his wife's affair, and his history of association with hard-right racist Conservative groups, all is a commendable and honest fashion. Although this book reads clearly and succinctly, Bercow is no author and it's by far not the best written book I've ever read. However I enjoyed it thoroughly and I look forward to shelving it for future reading, and I am excited to see where this incredibly intelligent and honorable man takes his career next.
Actual rating: 4.2
September 12, 2025
This was an entertaining read. I had often seen John Bercow on the TV and witnessed his sharp wit in action, and this book reflects this side of his personality very well.
He gives an insightful view into the life of a politician and all of the intrigue, games, manipulations, arguments, victories, joys and sorrows of this career. He is honest about decisions he made at different stages in his career that he now regrets but also defiant in those decisions he took that he believed in, that may have peeved others.
Bercow was one of the most progressive Speakers in Westminster and tried through his outreach and 'in reach' programs to raise awareness about the ins and outs of parliament and government.
There are many anecdotes about many Members of Parliament, some quite amusing.
Overall, a fascinating read.
He gives an insightful view into the life of a politician and all of the intrigue, games, manipulations, arguments, victories, joys and sorrows of this career. He is honest about decisions he made at different stages in his career that he now regrets but also defiant in those decisions he took that he believed in, that may have peeved others.
Bercow was one of the most progressive Speakers in Westminster and tried through his outreach and 'in reach' programs to raise awareness about the ins and outs of parliament and government.
There are many anecdotes about many Members of Parliament, some quite amusing.
Overall, a fascinating read.
March 28, 2020
Ontstellend zwakke politieke memoires. Mr. Speaker begint z'n boek met een ontstaansgeschiedenis van zichzelf die nog slechter leest dan de gemiddelde Wikipedia-pagina. Z'n eigen opkomst binnen het parlement komt als volgende aan bod, op een manier die weinig enthousiasmerend is. De laatste hoofdstukken gaan voornamelijk over de verschillende parlementsleden en regeringen die hij als voorzitter van het Lagerhuis zag passeren en waar hij soms een compliment aan geeft of - en dat doet hij veel vaker - de persoon genadeloos fileert. Weinig inhoudelijk, waarschijnlijk smakelijk bedoelt. Dat het boek eindigt met een index van alle namen van andere politici, zodat je handig kan opzoeken wat hij over wie denkt en schrijft, zegt genoeg.
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