John Bercow was paid up to £60,000 to appear on Sky News election special watched by just 46,000
- Former Speaker John Bercow paid up to £60,000 for Sky News appearance
- But their election coverage was watched by only watched by 45,700 viewers
- Accused of siding with Remainers in the Commons and mocked for appearing upset by exit poll showing Conservative majority
Former Commons speaker John Bercow may have been paid as much as £60,000 to appear on Sky News’s election night show – watched by only 45,700 viewers.
Mr Bercow was hired as lead pundit by Sky bosses who hoped he would give their viewing figures a boost but the audience stayed away.
A source at the channel said: ‘His huge payment is the talk of Sky News. Nobody could believe it. That said, he was on through the night and, of course, has tremendous insight.’
Mr Bercow was hired as lead pundit by Sky bosses who hoped he would give their viewing figures a boost but the audience stayed away
Mr Bercow, who has been accused of siding with Remainers, was mocked on social media when he appeared on the verge of tears when exit polls predicted a major Tory victory.
He then clashed with Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.
After stepping down as Speaker in October, Mr Bercow signed up to after-dinner speaking agency JLA.
He is in the ‘AA’ category of clients who command fees of £25,000 per appearance.
Mr Bercow did not respond to requests for comment. Sky News declined to comment.
The Commons Speaker finally steps down last month after 10 years in the chair. Mr Bercow has since signed up to after-dinner speaking agency JLA