John Bercow has hit back at accusations of bullying made by a peer who served as his most senior official.
The former Commons speaker said Lord Lisvane had “ample time” to raise such claims during their five years working together.
Lord Lisvane, who was Clerk of the House, reportedly handed allegations to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
Mr Bercow, addressing the complaint that was reported by The Times on Thursday night, said: “The timing of this intervention is curious."
He said: "During the five years that we worked together, Lord Lisvane had ample opportunity to raise any accusations of bullying with me.
"At no stage did he do so, even though he became Clerk of the House - the most senior official.
Mr Bercow dismissed the claims as having come at a "curious" time with suggestions that he may be in line for a peerage.
The document is said to accuse Mr Bercow of having bullied and humiliated staff, including using inappropriate language, according to The Times.
Mr Bercow has consistently denied allegations of bullying from former members of staff in the past.
Outgoing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has reportedly been lining up Mr Bercow, who was a Tory MP before becoming speaker, for a peerage.
But there have been suggestions that Downing Street could hamper the move, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman highlighting a "long-standing convention" that opposition leaders nominate individuals form their own parties.
Mr Bercow left the speaker's chair on October 31 and has been replaced by Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
