Yet another chapter of chaos in the Brexit tale.
John Bercow, one of the most well-known players in the never-ending Brexit drama, has announced that he will not contest the next election.
Bercow, who has been Speaker of the House for over 10 years, has been at the centre of all parliamentary proceedings with regard to Brexit.
It is anticipated that a general election could happen as soon as October, as the government has now lost their majority in the House of Commons by almost two dozen seats. If a general election is not held before then, Bercow will step down on 31 October.
Speaking in the House of Commons today, Bercow said he had promised his wife and children that this term would be his last in office, and that he intends to honour that promise.
In recent days, the Conservatives have accused Bercow - who is a Conservative - of being impartial, and of "flagrant abuse" of parliamentary process, in allowing MPs to take control of the legislative agenda and passing a law that would legally rule out a no-deal Brexit.
Bercow's party was planning to run a candidate against him in his constituency of Buckingham, in an attempt to remove his seat.
If a general election is not held before Bercow's deadline, the new speaker will be selected by parliament, where the government no longer has a majority.
Upon making his announcement, Bercow was praised by Labour MP Hilary Benn as "a reforming Speaker who has empowered parliament."
It is the role of the speaker to maintain order during parliamentary debates — and Bercow has become well-known for his distinctive calls for order.
