Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Historic day: House of Commons Speaker, Michael Martin quits
This news is quite remarkable and makes today a historic one:
Speaker Michael Martin quits: I will step down on June 21
Michael Martin announced his resignation as Speaker of the House of Commons today, the first Speaker to be forced from office for more than 300 years.
(link via timesonline.co.uk)
It was all over in just 35 seconds:
Mr Martin said: “I always feel the House is at its best when it is united. In order that unity can be retained I have decided I will relinquish the office of Speaker on Sunday 21 June.
“This will allow the House to proceed to elect a new Speaker on Monday 22 June.
“That is all I have to say on this matter.”
Profile: Michael Martin (link via politics.co.uk)
And now the big question is: Who will be the next Speaker?
(link via FT.com/Westminster Blog)
What do you think of all this? Do you think the resignation of Michael Martin will be enough to start to rebuild public trust in Parliament in the aftermath of the MPs' expense claims scandal?
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He's clearly been part of the problem and had to go. It's a start but much of our arcane, and archaic, parliamentary system has to change over the coming months.
ReplyDeleteI've been following all this with feelings of disgust and disillusionment. xx
I agree, Flighty. He had to go and as you say, it's a start. And I feel the same as you do about the whole shameful scandal.
ReplyDeleteEvery MP, regardless of party, who is 'found to have claimed excessively' should have the 'whip' withdrawn and be expelled from their party and the constituency informed.
ReplyDeleteThe constituency should then choose another candidate for the next election.
mrs k
Martin's efforts to prevent the release of MP expense data definitely justified this action. But it will be interesting to see if the commons learn anything from this.
ReplyDeleteMrs K, I agree wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think Michael Marin sealed his fate when he tried to prevent the release of the MPs expenses, and as you say it definitely justified him being forced to quit.
ReplyDeleteI hope MPs have learned from this. They must realize they have to change their ways if they expect the public to support them and vote for them. If they haven't learned anything, perhaps it is time for the parliamentary system to be drastically changed.
I'm not sure anything will ever change as it seems to be one lie or fiddle after another with these people. Aren't they supposed to be on our side? It seems to me that they aren't happy unless they're conning us or ripping us off what with lies, stealth taxes, back handers and expense claims. I heard the other day that when he does stand down as speaker he won't return to the house of commons but instead go straight to the house of lords!!! What happened to prison or community service? The mind boggles. So no, I don't think anything will change because the same people will still be there.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Bob. As you say, the MPs are supposed to be on our side but instead they seem to be intent on telling lies and claiming expenses for things that have nothing to do with their work.
ReplyDeleteI heard that too about the Speaker but it hasn't been confirmed yet. In fact, I've read that members of the House of Lords are against the idea because they say he doesn't deserve it. Indeed, it would be an utter disgrace if Michael Martin is offered a peerage!