Labour supporter and wife of the Speaker has declined an invite to former PM's funeral
Sally Bercow, Speaker’s wife and Celebrity Big Brother 2011 contestant, has declined an invitation to Margaret Thatcher’s funeral, stating that she doesn’t want to be a ‘hypocrite’.
Labour-supporter Mrs Bercow was invited to the ceremony as the wife of Commons Speaker, John Bercow, who presided over Thursday’s Commons debate which celebrated Baroness Thatcher’s life.
Mrs Bercow said: 'I’m not obliged to participate in my husband’s public life – last time I looked, this was the 21st century! John holds public office and an important position, not me.
'Although I’m genuinely sorry that Baroness Thatcher has passed away, I’m not going to be a hypocrite and join in this attempted canonisation of her.'
Further to this, Mrs Bercow accused No 10 of telling the press about her decision not to go to the funeral in an attempt to undermine her husband, saying: 'I’m astonished that Cameron’s people haven’t got better things to do.
'Margaret Thatcher wouldn’t have given a monkey’s whether or not I attended her funeral.'
Her husband John will instead be accompanied by an aide.
The ceremony, taking place on Wednesday at St Paul’s Cathedral, will cost the taxpayer £10 million. This has sparked protests around the country.
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