Martin’s future in doubt
HOUSE of Commons speaker Michael Martin yesterday fought for his survival by apologising yesterday for the expenses scandal which he conceded had done terrible damage to the reputation of parliament.
Martin, who faces a motion of no confidence brought by an opposition Conservative politician, sidestepped questions about his own future. But last night he appeared to be doomed, as party leaders, furious MPs, legislators and donors concluded he had lost the authority to stay in office. If Martin is axed, it will be the first time the speaker has been removed in 300 years.
Tory party leader David Cameron meanwhile, urged the dissolution of Parliament as the “trust in politicians had been “shot to pieces” by the MPs’ expenses scandal and called for an early election.
Cameron argued the “political system is paralysed” in Britain.