Jeremy Corbyn escapes action after denying he called Theresa May ‘stupid woman’ during PMQs

But Commons speaker says: ‘It is easy to see why the leader of the opposition’s words might be construed as stupid woman – that was also the opinion of lipspeakers’

Jeremy Corbyn has escaped any action over the allegation he called Theresa May a “stupid woman” after experts failed to reach a firm conclusion.

John Bercow, the Commons speaker, called in “professional lipspeakers” to investigate whether the Labour leader had uttered the remark – but told MPs they could not be “100 per cent certain”.

He urged MPs to “take the word” of Mr Corbyn, who returned to the chamber to issue a firm denial, insisting: “I did not use the words ‘stupid woman’ about the prime minister or anyone else.”

However, after viewing TV footage, Mr Bercow said: “It is easy to see why the leader of the opposition’s words might be construed as stupid woman.

“That was also the opinion of lipspeakers – and I emphasise lipspeakers, rather than lipreaders – whose advice was sought and obtained.”

He added: “Nobody can be 100 per cent certain, that includes professional lipreaders. But I will naturally take, and would be expected to take, the word of any right honourable or honourable member.”

The controversy blew up during a heated prime minister’s questions when the two leaders traded blows over the government’s failure to stage the promised “meaningful vote” on Brexit.

Mr Corbyn lost his composure after Ms May taunted him about his decisions to back away from calling a vote of no confidence in her because of the impasse.

TV cameras captured Mr Corbyn shaking his head and appearing to mutter “stupid woman” at his opponent across the chamber.

Ms May appeared unaware of what had happened but, when asked about it, said all MPs should “use appropriate language in the chamber when they are referring to female members”.

Three hours later, Mr Corbyn returned to the chamber to hear Mr Bercow say he had not seen or heard the remark but had to “rely purely on visual evidence”.

Mr Corbyn told MPs: “During prime minister’s question time today, I referred to those who I believe were seeking to turn a debate about the national crisis facing our country into a pantomime as ‘stupid people’.

“Mr speaker, I did not use the words ‘stupid woman’ about the prime minister or anyone else, and am completely opposed to the use of sexist or misogynist language in absolutely any form at all.”

The verdict triggered furious exchanges between MPs, with some Conservative politicians making clear they believed Mr Corbyn was lying.

Mr Bercow also found himself under pressure over a claim, earlier this year, he had called Andrea Leadsom, the Commons leader, a “stupid woman”.

Vicky Ford, the Tory MP for Chelmsford, said: “I have heard the words stupid woman being used in this chamber about myself and I’m afraid to say I’ve heard it from yourself in the speaker’s chair.”

But Mr Bercow insisted: “If there is such an allegation I refute it 100 per cent. I say with absolute certainty it is not correct – I have not said that to, or about, her.”