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19/05/2009
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.
The short announcement follows an historic day in the House of Commons yesterday, during which the Speaker was lambasted from the benches.
Many parliamentarians had called for Mr Martins removal from office, among them Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg and senior opposition politicians.
A vote of no confidence motion was already underway, which was signed by 23 MPs.
Top government ministers failed to defend the Speaker, claiming it is inappropriate for the Cabinet to express its view on an issue that would ultimately be decided by the House.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, once a close ally of Mr Martin, also refused to be drawn on the matter, stating only that he would respect the will of MPs.
It is believed the Speaker told Mr Brown of his intentions to resign yesterday morning.
Mr Martin's handling of the expenses revelation brought intense focus on his role in the release of information.
He was criticised for his response to the serialised newspaper reports, which have rumbled on for more than a week.
Mr Clegg, the most high profile MP to call for the Speaker's resignation, accused Mr Martin of retaining the "status quo" at a time when radical reforms are needed.
Yesterday Mr Martin said he was "profoundly sorry" for his part in the now very public matter, but insisted all MPs must accept a level of responsibility.
Some have suggested the Speaker is merely a scapegoat.
There will be a secret ballot held for the new Speaker, a number of possible candidates have been discussed, which include Tory Ann Widdecombe and former Lib Dem Leader Sir Ming Campbell.
Mr Martin will be granted a peerage after his resignation, allowing him to sit in the House of Lords.
(PR/JM)
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.
The short announcement follows an historic day in the House of Commons yesterday, during which the Speaker was lambasted from the benches.
Many parliamentarians had called for Mr Martins removal from office, among them Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg and senior opposition politicians.
A vote of no confidence motion was already underway, which was signed by 23 MPs.
Top government ministers failed to defend the Speaker, claiming it is inappropriate for the Cabinet to express its view on an issue that would ultimately be decided by the House.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, once a close ally of Mr Martin, also refused to be drawn on the matter, stating only that he would respect the will of MPs.
It is believed the Speaker told Mr Brown of his intentions to resign yesterday morning.
Mr Martin's handling of the expenses revelation brought intense focus on his role in the release of information.
He was criticised for his response to the serialised newspaper reports, which have rumbled on for more than a week.
Mr Clegg, the most high profile MP to call for the Speaker's resignation, accused Mr Martin of retaining the "status quo" at a time when radical reforms are needed.
Yesterday Mr Martin said he was "profoundly sorry" for his part in the now very public matter, but insisted all MPs must accept a level of responsibility.
Some have suggested the Speaker is merely a scapegoat.
There will be a secret ballot held for the new Speaker, a number of possible candidates have been discussed, which include Tory Ann Widdecombe and former Lib Dem Leader Sir Ming Campbell.
Mr Martin will be granted a peerage after his resignation, allowing him to sit in the House of Lords.
(PR/JM)
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02 July 2009
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
Bercow Urges Vote For Deputies
Deputy speakers should be elected by MPs rather than party whips, the new commons speaker John Bercow has told parliament. Following his own appointment by secret ballot, Mr Bercow said his three deputies should also be elected by members of the House, with at least one selected from each side of the chamber.
18 May 2009
Speaker "Profoundly Sorry"
Commons Speak Michael Martin has remained resolute in his address to MPs today despite continued calls for his resignation. In a speech, marred by unprecedented challenges from the benches, Mr Martin put forward a number of proposals for the reformation of MPs expenses.
Speaker "Profoundly Sorry"
Commons Speak Michael Martin has remained resolute in his address to MPs today despite continued calls for his resignation. In a speech, marred by unprecedented challenges from the benches, Mr Martin put forward a number of proposals for the reformation of MPs expenses.
17 June 2009
Martin's Last PM Question Time
Outgoing Commons Speaker Michael Martin presided over his final, and a somewhat lively, Prime Minister's questions today. Gordon Brown opened the debate by paying tribute to Mr Martin, who was soon calling order on proceedings, and reminding members of appropriate behaviour.
Martin's Last PM Question Time
Outgoing Commons Speaker Michael Martin presided over his final, and a somewhat lively, Prime Minister's questions today. Gordon Brown opened the debate by paying tribute to Mr Martin, who was soon calling order on proceedings, and reminding members of appropriate behaviour.
25 September 2009
Cut Wesminster Summer Break: Bercow
Summer recess at Westminster should be cut, the Commons Speaker has said. John Bercow said he recognised voters' disbelief at the current 12 week break. MPs dissolve from Parliament between mid-July until October, but the Speaker said he believes this period is unnecessary.
Cut Wesminster Summer Break: Bercow
Summer recess at Westminster should be cut, the Commons Speaker has said. John Bercow said he recognised voters' disbelief at the current 12 week break. MPs dissolve from Parliament between mid-July until October, but the Speaker said he believes this period is unnecessary.
20 May 2009
Archbishop Defends Speaker, Attacking 'Selfishness' Of MPs
A senior Scottish clergyman has weighed in on the ongoing MPs' expenses row, lambasting parliamentarians for "hounding" the Speaker out of office. Mario Conti, the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, said the pressure put on Michael Martin to resign was contrived to deflect attention off MPs themselves.
Archbishop Defends Speaker, Attacking 'Selfishness' Of MPs
A senior Scottish clergyman has weighed in on the ongoing MPs' expenses row, lambasting parliamentarians for "hounding" the Speaker out of office. Mario Conti, the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, said the pressure put on Michael Martin to resign was contrived to deflect attention off MPs themselves.
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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.
