SO, now we have a new Speaker, a man apparently committed to reform of the House of Commons and the eradication of sleaze.

Unfortunately, he himself is heavily tainted in financial irregularity, having “flipped”

his main and constituency homes and designating each as his main home when he sold one, thus avoiding capital gains tax.

Although asserting he “had done nothing wrong”, he “voluntarily” paid the tax of £6,508, plus VAT. I may be old-fashioned, but I have never once come across anyone who regarded himself as having no tax liability voluntarily paying the taxman anything, let alone that amount.

So what we have is a man despised by his own party as self-serving and untrustworthy, given to spouting large amounts of bovine excreta and of doubtful probity.

It is hoped that the next government unseats this unsavoury individual and fills that historic chair with someone of proven honesty and integrity who can command the respect of both the House and the public. Only then might we look forward to real change for the better in the political system.

Ian J Walker, Hurworth Place, near Darlington.

IN his speech immediately after being elected as Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow said the majority of MPs were not there to feather their own nests.

Every one of those MPs in the chamber, including the worst offenders, clapped with gusto. If there are any who aren’t feathering their nest, they are complicit by knowing about it and keeping quiet.

I don’t believe Mr Bercow – he is one of those who flipped properties.

We are expected to be thankful if MPs make a few adjustments in our favour and to turn out with enthusiasm to vote for them.

The whole lot should retire in shame and we should start again from scratch with a proportionally representative system.

George Appleby, Clifton, York.