The Times picks up the Bercow baton as a formal complaint against use of the Speaker’s Office is lodged.

Embattled John Bercow finds himself at the centre of a major row this morning after Buckingham residents launched legal complaints about misuse of the Speaker’s Office first revealed by The Slog last Tuesday

The Times reports that

‘…John Russell, who sent the complaint, received a letter from The Friends of Speaker Bercow asking for a donation….Mr Russell writes that he has since learnt that the Friends received contact details of potential donors from the Speaker’s Office.
He added: “I fully understand there is nothing illegal for such a group to be supporting Mr Bercow, but using/operating out of the Speakers Office is surely a breach of procedure. I would urge the commissioner to at least investigate whether the group are operating from or being supported by the Speakers Office”….’

This is The Slog’s line on the issue precisely.

However, we must remember that Mr Russell is a signed-up UKIP Party member….and The Slogger isn’t – nor would he ever be. Our only concern with the Buck’s Fizz now being uncorked with a loud bang is that Bercow’s two remaining Friends and the Lad ‘imself should be required to recognise why it’s, um, wrong to entertain potential donors to invites. Invites, er, emanating from an Office which should not be spreading any largesse at all to anyone.And also to prove they haven’t been doing such naughty things.

What we can reveal is that other emails have arrived at Slogger’s Roost suggesting similar actions…not all of them from UKIP members. I shall continue to recognise the confidence in which they were sent. When I’m released from the vows of silence, more news will follow.