Michael Martin under pressure to leave the House of Commons
For the first time in over 300 years there is intense pressure on the current Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, who has had his authority severely dented over the last few days. His handling of the MP's expenses debacle has received widespread criticism across all political parties and today saw a number of MPs step forward, contrary to popular parliamentary tradition, calling for the speaker to go now.
While Michael Martin appears defiant at this moment in time there is intense speculation that he may well have left his position by the end of the week. Amid claims that he is looking to hold on to his position until the next general election, at which point he is rumoured to be in line for a £100,000 payment, he took a very noble and brave stand today. However, after effectively being cut adrift by Gordon Brown, who refused to back the speaker, his days seem very much numbered and we may be witnessing a death by 1000 cuts.
There is also intense speculation that Michael Martin is being used as something of a scapegoat by the rest of the Commons although his handling of the situation has been anything but perfect.
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