POLICE are assessing an allegation of misconduct in public office against the Essex University chancellor.

Commons speaker John Bercow, who took on the university role last year, has been embroiled in controversy over bullying claims and allegations he called MP Andrea Leadsom a “stupid woman” and “f****** useless.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed an allegation had been made on May 3 about misconduct in public office at the Palace of Westminster which was being assessed.

But a spokesman at Mr Bercow’s office said:”We haven’t had any communication from the police.

“If we are contacted by the police we will talk to the police.”

Mr Bercow, who graduated from Essex University in 1985, was reported to the Commons’ standards watchdog over claims he insulted Mrs Leadsom.

Tory MP James Duddridge made a formal complaint to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone over the May 16 outburst in the chamber directed at the Commons Leader.

Mr Bercow on Monday admitted using the word “stupid” but offered no apology.

He said he would “continue to speak out firmly” for the interests of the Commons and publicly disagree with the Government’s management of business, which is led by Mrs Leadsom.

Mr Duddridge said: “We cannot let the current situation of intimidation and bullying from such a senior figure whom we should look to set an example and act as arbitrator.

“The perpetrator cannot be allowed to have so much power over the House, its members and staff who work in the Commons.

“It is essential that the Speaker steps aside from chairing and participating on all matters related to bullying.”

The incident came as an inquiry into allegations Mr Bercow bullied two former private secretaries, Angus Sinclair and Kate Emms, was blocked by MPs.

The Commons Standards Committee voted three-two against allowing Parliament’s watchdog to investigate the allegations, which he has consistently denied.

The speaker told MPs on Monday he had been unhappy about a “badly handled” transport statement that had reduced time for other business in the House.

He said: “It was in that context and that context alone that having expressed my displeasure about the matter quite forcefully from the chair I used the word ‘stupid’ in a muttered aside.

“That adjective simply summed up how I felt about the way that day’s business had been conducted.

“Anyone who knows Mrs Leadsom at all well will have not the slightest doubt about her political ability and her personal character.”