Mr Rees-Mogg said Sir Lindsay has a “proper appreciation of the traditions of the chamber”, calling him a “wise Speaker”. Commons leader Mr Rees-Mogg has criticised Mr Bercow publicly in the past, even accusing him of reducing the Commons to its “lowest point in modern history”. Mr Bercow became a controversial figure, particularly regarding his impartiality on Brexit.

However, it is rare for cabinet ministers like Mr Rees-Mogg to publicly criticise the Speaker.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle was voted the new speaker last October.

Writing in the Telegraph, arch-Brexiteer Mr Rees-Mogg said: “In these challenging times, we are fortunate to have a wise Speaker, for, as Solomon said: “Wisdom is the principal thing.”

“A man with a proper appreciation of the traditions of the chamber, he was among the first to recognise that only by radical change could we conserve the essence of Parliament during the period of the lockdown.”

Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference last September, Mr Rees-Mogg launched an attack on Mr Bercow.

He said: “As a parliamentarian, I have been in many ways and remain a great admirer of the Speaker.

“He has helped MPs hold the Government to account and to seek redress of grievance.

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“But in my view, he has now flown too close to the sun and I hope that as he comes to his retirement he will not allow the good he has done in his earlier years to be forgotten.

“But his recent mistakes have to my deepest regret as Leader of the House of Commons damaged the standing of the House in the eyes of the British public to the lowest point in modern history.”

Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, only 50 MPs will be allowed into the chamber at one time.

Around 120 MPs will be able to participate with the debate virtually.

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Speaking of the resuming of Parliament, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “With Parliament sitting once more, MPs will be able to hold the Government to account.

“The plethora of concerns and enquiries from constituents trying to navigate this extraordinary period will be raised with ministers, and answers found.”

Westminster has been at the heart of COVID-19 cases with various MPs testing positive and Boris Johnson requiring intensive care treatment.

Sir Lindsay has said: “I know some colleagues will feel it is their right to be seen to be present, but I would urge them to stay away.

“For every Member who turns up to Parliament, staff have to come in to support them, which goes against everything we are being told to do. I do not want MPs and House staff putting themselves at risk.

“After all, there is no benefit to being here physically. Under this new –’and temporary – measure, MPs in the chamber will have no more advantage.”

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