UKIP
19-05-2009, 03:48 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8057203.stm
Michael Martin has told MPs he intends to stand down, so becoming the first Commons Speaker to be effectively forced out of office for 300 years.
In a brief statement to a packed House of Commons he said he would step down on 21 June, with his successor set to be elected by MPs the next day.
Mr Martin, who will also step down as an MP, has faced criticism over his handling of the MP expenses issue.
The Glasgow North East MP has been an MP for 30 years and Speaker for nine.
It was Mr Martin's third statement on the row in eight days - the first, in which he attacked MPs who questioned his handling of the furore, was criticised by many MPs - one accused him of protecting "vested interests".
I and many others will be glad he has gone, he was not only biased but also spoke to Labour MP's who questioned his actions in a disgraceful manner. He is well known for his "Orderrrrrrrrrrr" catchphrase in his distinct scottish accent.
Possible candidates for the speaker position include high profile figures such as Ann Widdecombe (Conservatives), Sir Menzies Campbell (Liberal Democrats), Frank Field (Labour) and Vince Cable (Liberal Democrats).
Michael Martin has told MPs he intends to stand down, so becoming the first Commons Speaker to be effectively forced out of office for 300 years.
In a brief statement to a packed House of Commons he said he would step down on 21 June, with his successor set to be elected by MPs the next day.
Mr Martin, who will also step down as an MP, has faced criticism over his handling of the MP expenses issue.
The Glasgow North East MP has been an MP for 30 years and Speaker for nine.
It was Mr Martin's third statement on the row in eight days - the first, in which he attacked MPs who questioned his handling of the furore, was criticised by many MPs - one accused him of protecting "vested interests".
I and many others will be glad he has gone, he was not only biased but also spoke to Labour MP's who questioned his actions in a disgraceful manner. He is well known for his "Orderrrrrrrrrrr" catchphrase in his distinct scottish accent.
Possible candidates for the speaker position include high profile figures such as Ann Widdecombe (Conservatives), Sir Menzies Campbell (Liberal Democrats), Frank Field (Labour) and Vince Cable (Liberal Democrats).