John Bercow has branded Brexit the UK's "biggest mistake" after the Second World War in a devastating verdict just days after quitting as Speaker.
The former MP finally lashed out and revealed the full force of his opinions after years of claims he was biased against Britain leaving the EU.
Mr Bercow had previously said he voted Remain but insisted he was an impartial Speaker, and avoided giving clear-cut public opinions on the matter.
Yet in his first comments since quitting as an MP on Monday, he told the Foreign Press Association - quoted by La Repubblica - "I don’t think it helps the UK.
" Brexit is the biggest mistake of this country after the war. "
Mr Bercow stood down to be replaced by his deputy Sir Lindsay Hoyle after more than a decade in the heavy green chair.
He developed a reputation for standing up for MPs' rights against the government - granting more emergency debates and urgent questions in the Commons.
But he faced fierce criticism from Brexiteers, who questioned his impartiality on the issue of Europe when he repeatedly granted debates and powers to Remainer MPs.
Brexiteers say he tore up precedent and convention to allow pro-EU MPs to rule against the government and pass laws to prevent a no-deal Brexit.
Mr Bercow was also dogged by allegations of bullying staff, which he denied.
Several of his candidates to succeed him took aim at the outgoing Speaker in the election to replace him on Monday.
And new Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said in his opening speech: "We've got to make sure that tarnish is polished away.
'That the respect and tolerance that we expect from everyone who works in here will be shown and we'll keep that in order."
