Sally Bercow enjoyed a dip in the ocean

Her freebie trip to Barbados has already provoked strong criticism, but as she reclines on a sun lounger, sipping a cool drink and puffing on a cigarette, Sally Bercow does not appear to be too perturbed.

The Speaker's wife is on the Caribbean island as a guest of honour at the Institute of Travel & Tourism conference at the 5-star Hilton Barbados Hotel.

But once her gruelling schedule was complete - a one-hour speech on Twitter -  she quickly took to the beach with a friend, making the most of the trip for which she was paid £2,000.

All in a days' work: Despite criticism of her freebie trip as she reclines on a sun lounger, sipping a cool drink Sally Bercow does not appear to be too perturbed

Hard life: Mrs Bercow alternated between puffing on a cigarette and sipping a glass of wine in the hot sun

It was only recently John Bercow defended his Labour-supporting wife saying it was wrong to expect her to 'sit in the background, walk a few paces behind her husband, slice mushrooms and never express an opinion'.

But as these as she relaxes in a blue leopard print bikini, it appears the mother-of-three has fully ensured that she does not fall in to this role.

Hard day at the office: Mrs Bercow had tweeted before her trip how she was had 'lots of public speaking to do' but also added 'sunbathing'

Before arriving Mrs Bercow, 42, had tweeted that she had 'lots of public speaking to do' as well as some 'sunbathing'.

In May the attention-loving Mrs Bercow claimed her £2,000 fee was ‘not a fortune’ – but admitted she leapt at the chance to address delegates.

She told The Mail on Sunday: ‘They said, “Will you come and speak in Barbados? We will pay for your flights and accommodation”.

'I thought about it for five seconds and said, “Yes, please, I’ll bite your arm off.” I’m not crazy.’

Relaxing: Mrs Bercow and a friend enjoyed a dip in the ocean before heading back to the beach for some alcohol and cigarettes

Smiles all round: The pair appeared to be enjoying themselves - Mrs Bercow was guest of honour at the Institute of Travel & Tourism conference at the 5 star Hilton Barbados Hotel

Criticism: Her free trip to the Caribbean island itself provoked criticism coming just months after her MP husband John Bercow allowed the Institute to host a cocktail party in his official House of Commons apartment

The Institute of Travel and Tourism offered her the 'dream job' just weeks after her husband allowed the organisation to host a Christmas cocktail party in his official Commons apartment.

One Tory MP said the arrangement 'stunk' – and accused Mrs Bercow of profiting from her position.

And Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign group, said: 'It is good that the Speaker uses his position to encourage the British tourist industry, but he and his wife need to be very careful not to put themselves in a position where the appearance is given that they are getting an advantage for helping this organisation'

Speaking at the conference the Speaker's wife admitted she regrets her 'cock-ups' on Twitter and that her nude photoshoot was a bad idea.

Fun in the sun: Mrs Bercow smiles widely despite admitting at the travel conference in Barbados this week she regrets her 'cock ups' on Twitter and said that her nude photoshoot was a bad idea

Admission: Speaking to guests the 42-year-old admitted her husband's job had opened doors for her - but maintained she wouldn't get offered jobs if she wasn't good at what she does