New Speaker

Yet, once again, it is all smoke and mirrors. Even while this country is in crisis, these honourable members still play politics.

It seems that John Bercow, the new Speaker, wasn’t appointed because he is the best man for the job, but with a hefty Labour backing merely because he is a maverick in the Conservative Party and Labour wanted to “get one over” the Tories. It really beggars belief.

We are governed by a kindergarten, little boys playing games. Shame on them all.

How dare they still show such utter contempt of their employers, the taxpayer, by using this promised new start merely as a two-finger salute to their political rivals.

Gordon Brown is now totally lost as a leader – or, even more disturbing, did he encourage this spiteful turn of events?

And as his first act was to ignore long-held dress traditions, Mr Bercow has proved his maverick status – a silly gesture when he has yet to prove his ability to do the job. I won’t hang by my thumbs.

Mrs S Harnby, Stockton.

IF Parliament is to improve its image and, even more importantly, prove to a discerning public that it is not just an exclusive club, the Speaker needs to instil such confidence.

In his opening speech to MPs the new Speaker praised the work of many parliamentarians amid the expenses scandal and this is an important starting point. After all, we need to re-establish the role of Parliament, the work of MPs and the responsibilities they have individually and collectively.

Government and setting in motion the priorities that frame policy and legislation might rest with the Labour Party, but all MPs have a key role to play.

Therefore debate has to focus on what is best for Britain and for Mr Speaker Bercow this will be his greatest challenge.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.