Little Man In A Big Chair (2)

Writing in the print edition of the Telegraph, which appears to differ from that on-line, Gordon Rayner says:

"John Bercow, the new Speaker, convinced MPs that he was the man to oversee reform of the expenses system despite controversy over his own claims."

Hardly surprising when one considers that 'like have chosen like'!

Rayner also writes:

"Mr. Bercow, a former merchant banker, flipped the designation of his second home between London and his constituency so that each house was designated as his main home at the time he sold it, meaning he did not have to pay CGT."

Although stating he would repay £6,508, plus VAT, to cover the tax he also employed accountants to fill in tax returns, an expense not normally allowable to an ordinary member of the public. Avoidance of tax is an offense, one which is usually punished by HMRC even if monies have eventually been paid.

So might one expect Mr. Plod knocking on the doors of Parliament yet again? Hardly likely - in fact I was tempted to use the 'pigs might fly' analogy, except in the case of this individual and his election it would have been totally out of place.

To paraphrase, I believe it was John Bright, Bercow is a self-made man who worships his creator!