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Brown puts his 'full confidence' in Martin
Joe Murphy4 Dec 2008
Gordon Brown propped up Speaker Michael Martin today by saying he had "full confidence" in him.
The Prime Minister stepped in after two senior ministers refused to express confidence in Mr Martin.
"It's a very difficult job for the Speaker when these issues arise," Mr Brown said. "He's got to make a judgment based on his knowledge of what is happening."
In private, however, MPs said Mr Martin will be pressed to step down at the next election, denying him his wish of a further term. The Prime Minister's confidence will be some comfort to Mr Martin who last night was humiliated when Commons leader Harriet Harman repeatedly refused to endorse him.
Housing Minister and former foreign secretary Margaret Beckett also made clear he had made mistakes.
Ms Harman was asked repeatedly by Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight to say she had full confidence in Mr Martin and in the Serjeant at Arms, Jill Pay. But she replied: "I am not saying I have full confidence in anything or anybody."
Speaking this morning, Mrs Beckett said she did not blame Ms Harman for her cautious reply. "I don't blame Harriet for not wanting to be put in the position whereby she is somehow taking responsibility which is not hers."
However, Labour MP Stephen Pound - a friend of the Speaker - said of Ms Harman's attitude: "It's not collegiate or comradely but I'm sure she has her reasons."
Two Tory MPs, Richard Bacon and Douglas Carswell, have called on Mr Martin to quit because of the row over the raid on Tory MP Damian Green's Westminster office. Mr Bacon said the case showed Mr Martin had "failed in his fundamental duty".
Reader views (4)
John Problem, Hackney Wick.
I`ve no doubt Gladstone, Disraeli, Palmerston and Churchill had their moments when it came to mis-demeanors in the House. I agree with your well put sentiments however, these fine Gentlemen must indeed be puking as they observe our current custodians of democracy. The Marxist regime,having brought our nation to it`s knees,now seems intent on dismantling the very vestiges of our Parliamentary heritage. Centuries of history at risk from political hooligans with no sense of respect. What next ?
- John E, Northants, 05/12/2008 09:14
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We have a Prime Minister that was not elected by this country but only by his party. We have a speaker (who traditionally would always come from the opposition party) living out of Brown's pocket. We have a Commons that has been lied to - in order to launch an illegal war. We have opposition MP's arrested by anti terror police for leaking embarrassing information about government mismanagement. Thanks to 'New' Labour we don't have much of a democracy.
- Marcus, London, 05/12/2008 00:01
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We need good men like Martin. He reminds us off the fact that here in our treasured isle we are ruled by leaders of unmatched honesty, probity, intelligence and competence. He should definitely stay in his post, a post which he has dignified over the years by his creative accounting and his unswerving loyalty to his staff. It is only right and proper that it should be this man, this fine figure of dignity, this exemplar to us all, who welcomes Her Majesty when she enters that august shrine to democracy and fair-play, the House
of Commons. Where look down the shades of other great men - Gladstone, Disraeli, Palmerston, Churchill..... all puking as they watch.
- John Problem, hackney wick, 04/12/2008 18:31
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brown would support martin. they are all part of the scottish mafia!
- Josh, london, 04/12/2008 17:30
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