17/06/2009

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.

Labour MPs who jeered at Opposition Leader David Cameron when he mentioned Europe were silenced by Mr Martin.

Mr Cameron was later censured by the Speaker for referring to an MP who posed a question at Mr Brown as "you" - a breach of protocol.

"Even though it's my last day, the term 'you' is not something I can approve", said Mr Martin.

More personal tributes are expected to be expressed for Mr Martin, who has held the office of Speaker for nine years, later.

Mr Martin announced his intentions to stand down last month, making him the first Speaker to be effectively forced from the chair in almost 300 years.

The Speaker received sever criticism for his handling of the furore over MPs' expenses.

Many parliamentarians suggested he was not the right man to lead reforms in the house.

Ten candidates are vying to replace Mr Martin next week.

He will also stand down from his parliamentary constituency of Glasgow - forcing a by-election.

(PR/JM)

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