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Drive to unseat Speaker gathers pace
Nicholas Cecil13 May 2009
Speaker Michael Martin today faced an open revolt against his authority.
At least seven MPs from all main parties were said to have signed a motion of no confidence in Mr Martin.
Ministers were understood to be among the MPs actively discussing in the corridors and bars at Westminster how to oust the Speaker.
Labour backbencher Paul Flynn said that he and his colleague Gordon Prentice, both members of the Commons public administration committee, were putting their names to the motion tabled by Tory MP Douglas Carswell.
“It's a heart-stopping thing for most MPs to attack the Speaker. It's like heckling in church,” said Mr Flynn.
“It is hoped our action will embolden other MPs to say what is in their hearts.”
While praising Mr Martin as “affable and engaging”, he condemned his behaviour during the expenses scandal as “petulant”.
The Speaker stunned MPs by turning on backbenchers who have called for greater openness over MPs expenses,
“He has made a disastrous situation worse,” said Mr Flynn.
“As a Speaker he lacks authority and the leadership skills essential to win back the public's confidence in Parliament.”
Former home secretary Charles Clarke told the New Statesman that he regarded Mr Martin's performance as “utterly deplorable”.
Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker added: “It's clear that the Speaker has run out of road. He would do himself and Parliament a good service by recognising that.”
Mr Carswell said that at least six other MPs, including Shipley Conservative MP Philip Davies, had agreed to sign his Commons motion which he is due to table within days.
However, many of the backbenchers supporting him are seen as mavericks and more heavyweight figures would be needed to mount any decisive move against Mr Martin.
The motion states: “This House has no confidence in Mr Speaker and calls for him to step down.
“Mr Speaker has failed to provide leadership in matters relating to hon. Members' expenses. A new Speaker urgently needs to be elected.”
Mr Carswell said today: “The expenses fiasco shows just how desperately we need to reform Westminster.
“Michael Martin is, with great respect for him, not the man to do that.”
He stressed that seeking to oust the Speaker had not happened for at least 300 years.
Sir John Trevor was expelled from Parliament in March 1695 after taking a £1,000 bribe from the Corporation of London.
Reader views (7)
Unseating Michael Martin? Who ever said that was what the British people want or that it's enough? It's the entire Labour government that's past it's sell by date and it must be unseated starting with the current PM and the rest of his crew.
It's all the big revenue bleeders and their stooges - especially Gordon Brown who's put our economy in this messy shape who ought to be kicked out and then taken to court to pay back every penny they stole from the taxpayer including their gold encrusted pension schemes!
- Alex Gordon, Glasgow,UK, 13/05/2009 17:31
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No mercy.
- Bloke, London, 13/05/2009 15:55
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Goodbye and good riddance
- Goggs, London, 13/05/2009 15:35
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I just cannot understand why it is such hard work to get rid of the man. It must be obvious to every single MP that he is past his sell-by date. So what are they hiding now? Does Martin "have something" on them all?
- Sandy, Ealing, UK, 13/05/2009 15:21
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Integrity is the essential quality of a speaker, and we can no longer have confidence in the integrity of Mr. Martin. He should resign.
- Geoff Hall, Alicante, Spain, 13/05/2009 15:13
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I don't think he looks "affable and engaging". I think he looks, and acts, like an unkempt drunken thug. If this is an example of politicians, and sadly, it seems that he is, no wonder they are held in such contempt.
- .Lezli Taubler, London / UK, 13/05/2009 14:53
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Get rid of him...! He's neither use nor ornament...!! Oh, but make sure his wife is made to pay-back all those Taxi fares...!!!
- Joanna Jay, Walton on Thames, 13/05/2009 14:49
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