It seems some Labour MPs are getting annoyed about the lack attention from Speaker Bercow.
The so-called "naughty boys' bench", which includes Dennis Skinner, Ian Lavery, Grahame Morris, John Cryer and Ronnie Campbell, appears to be feeling a little ignored of late.
According to one of the group, "Our whole bench struggles to get called. We're known as the 'naughty boys’ bench' and if you sit on that bench it’s much harder to get called.
"I don’t know if the Speaker is upset with me or something, but I just can’t seem to get in very much."
Maybe they have a point. For example, Ronnie Campbell's last speaking appearance in the chamber appears to have been in December.
However, the rest have all been called at least once this month, but for an intervention, not for a question. Outspoken Skinner has been called twice in February.
But the Labour MP claims that Skinner only gets Bercow's attention "because he's scared of him – most people are… He is pretty formidable to say the least."
Maybe better behaviour will help the group's record with the Speaker. But that's not really their style…
UPDATE: It seems that Steve Rotheram can also be added to the list. The Labour MP hasn't been called for a question since October. Supposedly, he has 'bobbed' in every PMQs since December and still failed to be granted a question from the Speaker. The Liverpool Walton MP became so exasperated, he even tweeted at Sally Bercow, asking if her husband didn't like the Beatles.
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