Sunday 17 May 2009

SPEAKER SHOULD DO THE “DECENT THING” AND STEP ASIDE - CLEGG


Over the last few days a number of high profile Liberal Democrats MPs has commented on plight of the Speaker Michael Martin.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne called upon the speaker to replaced; while the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said that he had reservations and the party would be making a statement shortly.

Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire, Jo Swinson last night became the first Scots MP to demand he quits. She said: “It’s time for him to go.”

Now we have learnt on the BBC website that the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg has called on Commons Speaker Michael Martin to stand down, saying he has become an obstacle to much-needed reform of Parliament.

Mr Clegg said the Speaker should do the “decent thing” and step aside, saying he was not the “right man” for the job.

He criticised the Speaker for “dragging his feet” over the issue of MPs’ expenses, causing such public anger.

A Tory MP is to put down a motion of no confidence in the Speaker on Monday and says he has growing support for this.

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