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25/02/2008
PM Defends Commons Speaker
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended Commons Speaker Michael Martin, calling him a "very, very good speaker".
Mr Brown said that Mr Martin's future was "a matter for the House of Commons".
The Commons Speaker has also been publicly defended by a number of other MPs, including Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg, although there have been reports that some MPs are believed to want him to step down.
Mr Martin, who has been overseeing a committee conducting an inquiry into MPs' expenses, has faced allegations over the use of air miles, earned on official trips, by family members.
His spokesperson Mike Granatt also resigned after he refuted a story about Mr Martin's wife Mary claiming more than £4,000 in taxpayer-funded allowances for taxi trips.
Mr Granatt said that he was resigning from his post for "ethical reasons" and said that officials had not informed him of all the facts on the issue. However, he said that Mr Martin was not at fault over the issue.
A report in the Sunday Times also said that Mr Martin had claimed money for his second home in Scotland and costs for using it as an office.
(KMcA)
Mr Brown said that Mr Martin's future was "a matter for the House of Commons".
The Commons Speaker has also been publicly defended by a number of other MPs, including Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg, although there have been reports that some MPs are believed to want him to step down.
Mr Martin, who has been overseeing a committee conducting an inquiry into MPs' expenses, has faced allegations over the use of air miles, earned on official trips, by family members.
His spokesperson Mike Granatt also resigned after he refuted a story about Mr Martin's wife Mary claiming more than £4,000 in taxpayer-funded allowances for taxi trips.
Mr Granatt said that he was resigning from his post for "ethical reasons" and said that officials had not informed him of all the facts on the issue. However, he said that Mr Martin was not at fault over the issue.
A report in the Sunday Times also said that Mr Martin had claimed money for his second home in Scotland and costs for using it as an office.
(KMcA)
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19 May 2009
Speaker Will Step Down Next Month
Embattled Commons Speaker Michael Martin this afternoon announced his intentions to stand down, amid the continued furore over MPs' expenses. The Speaker said he would leave office on the Sunday 21 June, which will be followed by an election for his replacement the next day. Mr Martin is the first speaker to resign from the role in over 300 years.
Speaker Will Step Down Next Month
Embattled Commons Speaker Michael Martin this afternoon announced his intentions to stand down, amid the continued furore over MPs' expenses. The Speaker said he would leave office on the Sunday 21 June, which will be followed by an election for his replacement the next day. Mr Martin is the first speaker to resign from the role in over 300 years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
