Martin on the Brink
Commons Speaker Michael Martin is set to make an announcement to MPs tomorrow about the Parliamentary expenses scandal.
Mr Martin, Labour lackey and MP for Glasgow North East, has attracted widespread criticism since he was appointed Speaker nine years ago. His impartiality has been questioned on several occasions, most notably when he struck down a perfectly valid question from David Cameron to Tony Blair about his continued leadership of the Labour Party.
The Speaker's loose hand on the Westminster tiller was further highlighted when the office of top Tory Damian Green was searched by police behind Mr Martin's back. MPs stood aghast in the chamber when Mr Martin revealed that the search was conducted without his prior knowledge and without a warrant.
This morning Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg added his voice to the increasing number of MPs calling for Mr Martin's resignation. A motion of no confidence will be tabled by Conservative backbencher Douglas Carswell next week.
In addition to chairing debates the Speaker is charged with maintaining order and good discipline in the House of Commons. Clearly several MPs and the majority of the population believe Mr Martin has failed in this respect.
With both Opposition parties now calling for Mr Martin's neck I doubt he will make it to June as Speaker. I fully expect him to fall on his sword tomorrow.
Mr Martin, Labour lackey and MP for Glasgow North East, has attracted widespread criticism since he was appointed Speaker nine years ago. His impartiality has been questioned on several occasions, most notably when he struck down a perfectly valid question from David Cameron to Tony Blair about his continued leadership of the Labour Party.
The Speaker's loose hand on the Westminster tiller was further highlighted when the office of top Tory Damian Green was searched by police behind Mr Martin's back. MPs stood aghast in the chamber when Mr Martin revealed that the search was conducted without his prior knowledge and without a warrant.
This morning Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg added his voice to the increasing number of MPs calling for Mr Martin's resignation. A motion of no confidence will be tabled by Conservative backbencher Douglas Carswell next week.
In addition to chairing debates the Speaker is charged with maintaining order and good discipline in the House of Commons. Clearly several MPs and the majority of the population believe Mr Martin has failed in this respect.
With both Opposition parties now calling for Mr Martin's neck I doubt he will make it to June as Speaker. I fully expect him to fall on his sword tomorrow.
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