+ A
A -
AFP
London
The Speaker of Britain's House of Commons, John Bercow, was under pressure Friday for allegedly calling a senior minister a"stupid woman", in the latest bullying claim to hit parliament's top official.
Prime Minister Theresa May's spokeswoman said the language reportedly used against Commons leader Andrea Leadsom during a foul-mouthed outburst overheard in the chamber this week was"unacceptable".
After the story broke in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Bercow's spokeswoman admitted"some strong and differing views were expressed on all sides"during a discussion about the government's legislative programme.
But she insisted:"The speaker treats his colleagues with respect."
Bercow was already facing calls to resign after two of his former private secretaries, Angus Sinclair and Kate Ems, accused him of bullying allegations he strongly denied.
