Tearful John Bercow reveals he will step down as Speaker by 31 October

John Bercow has said he will stand down as the House of Commons Speaker, as well as an MP, before the end of next month. The colourful Speaker, famous for his bellowing cries of 'Order!' during raucous debates, will quit on 31 October, the same day Britain is due to leave the EU, unless an election is called before then. Throughout the three years since Britain voted to leave the EU, Bercow has angered the Conservative government by repeatedly allowing lawmakers to seize control of parliament's agenda to steer the course of Brexit. He said he was simply fulfilling his role of letting parliament have its say, adding that he had always 'sought to be the backbenchers' backstop'.

The Guardian YouTube network:

[guardiannews]

'Order!' Why Europeans are turning to John Bercow for light relief in Brexit chaos

[ruthannett]

Wow I can’t believe they killed off the best character so not watching brexit season 4 without him

[GrantHancock]

Hmm... not sure about the next season of UK. This Brexit storyline has been done to death and doubt the finale will be what the fans want... and now the best character is leaving !?

[johncharlton]

When the opposition shows you more respect than your own party

[pidlive]

John will now retire at his home, pick up his antique telephone set, dial Domino's Pizza and ask to place an

[trinapowell]

Not a Tory, but admire the Speaker immensely. Country before party.

[ThefightingCelt]

The most articulate speaker ever to grace Parliament . I like him and it's a pity he has decided to pack it in . He will be a tough act to follow .

[RealConstructor]

it’s a disgrace that a lot of Conservatives don’t applaud for the speaker. They sunken so low they don’t even want to thank a party member for his 10year effort of being the speaker of the house. They only want a partisan speaker, not one that goes by the rules. It was the party that was closest to my believes, not anymore.

[judgeovyoursoulvo]

I'm going to miss his ties the most.

[Steve_Gouws]

Oh man. Now I have no desire to watch "Brexit" season four :P

[doggingnoob]

Frankly disgraceful that members on the government benches did not stand following Bercow's speech. Though I understand they feel they have been thwarted by him in recent weeks, it is abundantly clear that politics aside, he is a great advocate for the spirit and tradition of parliamentary democracy, and will be remembered by history as a titan.

[masterdude]

This guy is clearly a man of integrity. I will miss his voice when watching the House of Commons!

[SS]

Most Tories failing to applaud...despicable Tory front benchers looking back to see which few decent Tories were applauding.

[politicalprincess]

I am an American and this makes sad. I enjoyed watching it's why I started watching British politics. I know thsts a bad reason to start by he makes me smile

[mujtabaellari]

Bercow is a damn icon and a man of integrity.
He'll be missed but I hope he lives his retirement in peace with his wife and kids

[liamb]

Wow I’ve become so used to Bercow - 10 years I’ve been watching him! Will feel weird seeing parliament without him

[hieronymuswiesenkraut]

Oh no! I learned first about him yesterday and have been binge watching the "order" and best ofs!

[Numinex]

what an absolute disgrace this tory party is not standing up for a leaving member of the hosue and a speaker who served for 10 years... unbelievable

[mauriristola]

This man, is a hero.

The Tories that didn't aplaud the Speakers address - shame on you - Trump will be proud.

[richardc]

22 years in Parliament, 10 as speaker should entitle him to a unanimous standing ovation for his service to the nation. For the government to remain seated and not even to applaud is a sign of abhorrent character.