UK House of Commons Speaker step down
Published:Tuesday | May 19, 2009 | 1:38 PM
United Kingdom House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin has decided to step down following calls from parliamentarians.
The Members of Parliament are upset over Mr. Martin’s handling of an expenses scandal.
He will now become the first House of Commons Speaker to be forced out in 300 years.
Mr. Martin says his resignation will take effect on June 21, with his successor set to be elected by MPs the following day.
He’s also expected to step down as an MP.
Mr. Martin has been a parliamentarian for 30 years and House Speaker for 9.
His critics say he was the driving force behind repeated attempts by Commons authorities to block details of MPs\' expenses from coming out under Freedom of Information legislation.
However, his supporters say he has long been the victim of snobbery and has been made a scapegoat for a scandal that has affected all the main parties.