UK General Election: Politics Is ‘legalised bloodsport’ States Ex-Speaker John Bercow

Politics is a “legalised bloodsport” Ex-Speaker John Bercow said whilst giving his expert view of proceeding on election night with Sky News.

The comment came after Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson lost her seat. To which Bercow added: “It can be very brutal. The consequences can be very serious and very speedy.”

The evening exit poll which indicated a majority for the Conservatives of 86, was a result that Mr Bercow called “phenomenal” to a “Brexit-focused, Brexit-orientated, Brexit-dominated campaign,”

John Bercow also shared a moment during the evening with Nigel Farage. Both came to blows as they exchanged views on the prospect of Brexit in the wake of the Conservatives landslide victory.

In a relatively relaxed argument the Brexit Party leader and former House of Commons speaker poked fun at one another as the pair appeared on Sky News to discuss how Mr Johnson could ‘pivot’ on a very large majority.

They joked it was ’embarrassing’ that they agree with one another on several points, Bercow told Farage: ‘I’m always willing to be obliging Nigel and to try to advance your own argument for you even if I think it is absolute copperbottomed rubbish.’

They also agreed that there could be a request to extend the transition period by 1 July 2020. 

Mr Bercow, who stood down as Speaker at the end of October following a decade in the chair, said: ‘I hate to say so Nigel and I’m sure it’s embarrassing for you too, but I think we both agree about that.’

Mr Farage, who spoiled his ballot paper, also revealed he intended to step down after his party was wiped out at the election.