This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/8423820.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Expenses row 'hurt' Commons image Expenses row 'hurt' Commons image
(9 minutes later)
The Commons Speaker has said the last six months, which saw the MPs' expenses scandal, were disastrous for the standing and reputation of the House.The Commons Speaker has said the last six months, which saw the MPs' expenses scandal, were disastrous for the standing and reputation of the House.
John Bercow said he backed reforms that would see MPs forced to rent rather than buy second homes, and prevent them from employing their relatives.John Bercow said he backed reforms that would see MPs forced to rent rather than buy second homes, and prevent them from employing their relatives.
He said: "I think the change for the worse over the past six months has been seismic, it has been cataclysmic."He said: "I think the change for the worse over the past six months has been seismic, it has been cataclysmic."
But he told the BBC he did not think the damage was irreversible.But he told the BBC he did not think the damage was irreversible.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said it was not good enough to think "the fuss will subside, protests will die down, things will return to normal after a passage of time".In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said it was not good enough to think "the fuss will subside, protests will die down, things will return to normal after a passage of time".
The public mood would change only when "decisive, fundamental and irrevocable changes" were made, he said.The public mood would change only when "decisive, fundamental and irrevocable changes" were made, he said.
ReformerReformer
He said new Members of Parliament after a general election next year would bring a fresh approach.He said new Members of Parliament after a general election next year would bring a fresh approach.
And he would like the public to have improved powers to petition Parliament.And he would like the public to have improved powers to petition Parliament.
BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins said Mr Bercow had cast himself as a reformer since his election to the Speaker's chair in June.BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins said Mr Bercow had cast himself as a reformer since his election to the Speaker's chair in June.
But he is not popular with all the current members of the Commons, our correspondent added. But he is not popular with all the current members of the Commons.
When he was asked about his personal standing, Mr Bercow said he did not give a moment's thought to whether his position would be challenged and that he tried to rise above any abuse. When he was asked about his personal standing, Mr Bercow said he did not give a moment's thought as to whether his position would be challenged and that he tried to rise above any abuse.
"The best response to doubt, scepticism, criticism, and indeed, abuse is not talk but to act," he said.
"I have every intention of continuing, of accelerating, the work I'm doing and redoubling my efforts, seeking to give satisfaction to Parliament."
Parliament was hit by controversy when leaked details of MPs' expenses claims since 2004 were published by the Daily Telegraph in May.Parliament was hit by controversy when leaked details of MPs' expenses claims since 2004 were published by the Daily Telegraph in May.
The revelations led to a host of MPs announcing they would stand down, and a revamp of the entire expenses system being drawn up by Sir Christopher Kelly.The revelations led to a host of MPs announcing they would stand down, and a revamp of the entire expenses system being drawn up by Sir Christopher Kelly.
An audit carried out by Sir Thomas Legg called on MPs to repay some claims, but 80 MPs are challenging the requests.An audit carried out by Sir Thomas Legg called on MPs to repay some claims, but 80 MPs are challenging the requests.
Hundreds of MPs, including the three main UK party leaders, agreed to repay sums totalling thousands of pounds.Hundreds of MPs, including the three main UK party leaders, agreed to repay sums totalling thousands of pounds.