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Commons Speaker Martin to step down in June
Under-fire House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin this afternoon confirmed his resignation. In a short statement to a packed House of Commons, Mr Martin announced he would leave his post on June 21 with a new speaker to be elected the following day.Mr Martin said: "Since I came to this House 30 years ago I've always felt the House is at its best when it is united. In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided that I will relinquish the office of Speaker on Sunday June 21. This will allow the House to proceed to elect a new Speaker on Monday June 22. That is all I have to say on this matter." Mr Martin then swiftly moved onto other business. His spokesperson later revealed he would also stand down as MP for Glasgow North East on the same date, sparking a by-election in the traditionally safe Labour seat. Mr Martin came under fire from critics for being the driving force behind repeated attempts by Commons authorities to block details of MPs' expenses from coming out under Freedom of Information legislation. His resignation came as Tory MP Douglas Hogg revealed he will not stand at the next election, following controversy over his own expenses.
Posted by: Pappy 2009-05-20 |
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