The British House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has announced he's standing down.

He's told MPs if they vote for a general election tonight, he'll step aside from the role he's held since 2009.

The Speaker John Bercow has announced that he will stand down. He said that he would stand down either at the end of this Parliamentary session, or on October 31 2019. Listen to his statement now: https://t.co/aJ8El3wqCD

— UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) September 9, 2019

But if there isn't a snap poll, he'll stay in post until the current Brexit deadline.

In an emotional speech he described himself as the back benchers backstop.

He told members that his role of speaker has been the highlight of his career.