balls man etc

[thedaffodils]

The Leftward lurch of one-time headbanger, oddball Speaker John Bercow, continues apace. Chatting about the Labour leadership contest he was overheard declaiming grandly: ‘I myself
am a Balls man.’ Whatever happened to the old-fashioned idea that the Speaker stays out of party politics?

Read more: BLACK DOG: Now Blair's heir moves into his lair | Mail Online

Hello!

1. What does 'balls man" mean?

2. What does the following sentence mean?

Whatever happened to the old-fashioned idea that the Speaker stays out of party politics

Thanks!

 

[emsr2d2]

Read more: BLACK DOG: Now Blair's heir moves into his lair | Mail Online

Hello!

1. What does 'balls man" mean?

2. What does the following sentence mean?

Whatever happened to the old-fashioned idea that the Speaker stays out of party politics

Thanks!

Given the capital "B" I think they are referring to "Ed Balls" who was the Minister for Education for the last few years. The person is saying they are a supporter of Ed Balls, by saying he's a "Balls man".

In the House of Commons, there is an "official" called the "Speaker" who is there to keep control of the proceedings. Although he is an elected Member of Parliament, when he is chosen to be Speaker, he is supposed to drop his affiliation to one particular party and become neutral.

 

[thedaffodils]

Thank you very much for your help.