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MPs plot to oust Speaker after ‘disgraceful’ attack
Nicholas Cecil12.05.09
Commons Speaker Michael Martin faced unprecedented criticism today as a plot to unseat him was launched at Westminster.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg accused Mr Martin, pictured, of a “spectacular misjudgment” yesterday for criticising MPs who have campaigned for greater openness on expenses.
Mr Clegg told the BBC: “I'm not going to start declaring his fate on breakfast television but I think he needs to learn the lessons of yesterday.”
Mr Clegg is to discuss Mr Martin's position with his senior MPs this morning. Tory backbencher Douglas Carswell said he is canvassing colleagues from all parties to join him in tabling a motion of no confidence to oust the Speaker.
Tory frontbencher Ben Wallace said: “I think it's time, he's failed at the job, he's got to go.” Lib-Dem MP Norman Baker, who was criticised in the Commons yesterday by Mr Martin, added: “The Speaker broke the golden rule and stopped being an umpire and started being a player.”
He branded “disgraceful” an attack by Mr Martin on Labour MP for Vauxhall Kate Hoey who questioned the decision by Commons chiefs to call in police to find the source of the leaked expenses. Today Ms Hoey said: “The role of the Speaker is to speak for the public and the integrity of Parliament.”
One of Mr Martin's allies, Lord Foulkes, defended him, saying he is reforming the expenses system.
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