John Bercow confronted the controversies surrounding his Brexit stance and record as House Speaker while speaking in New York. In front of the audience Mr Bercow argued: “It is not the Speaker’s job to be the government’s friend or the opposition’s friend, it’s the Speaker’s job to be Parliament’s friend.” When asked about his advice to his successor as Speaker would be he added: “Always stand up for the backbenchers.

“Keep the best and improve the rest, never be satisfied as that is the route to misguided pride and complacency.

“Brexit has to be in the hands of, and determined by the representative democratic bodies of the UK.”

He added Parliament needs to take a view on Brexit and “will continue to do so between now and the end of October.”

He finished by predicting Parliament will continue to debate Brexit and the UK, EU relationship for the next five, 10 and potentially the next 20 years.

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In addition to these comments Mr Bercow also appeared to make light of the responses he has received while in Parliament.

Speaking at New York University he said: “I am moved to observe of the strength of what I regard as a distinctively New York welcome that having heard myself introduced I can hardly wait to hear my self speak.

“I hope you will feel the same way, ladies and gentlemen.

“Perhaps I can just enquire being something of a diffidence, I am naturally shy.”

After receiving a comment from the audience member Mr Bercow replied: “Well, I thank you for that answer and the apparent enthusiasm.

“I would say to you sir in the distinctive, moderately understated shirt, that your answer represents a significant improvement on the last time that I posed that question to the people at the back of the room.

“I asked can you hear me at the back in which some unhelpful wag replied, yes but I’ll happily change places with somebody who can’t.

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At this moment the crowd erupted in laughter and chuckles much to the light of the Commons Speaker.

He added: “So the fact that you can hear me and appear to be not entirely distraught that you can do so, I take as a modest encouragement.”

John Bercow announced last week that he would be stepping down as House Speaker for the House of Commons after over ten years in the position.

This announcement was met by applause from the opposition bench while some Tories refused to stand or commend Mr Bercow for his work.

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