Posted on 05/19/2009 4:58:42 AM PDT by rightwingintelligentsia
Michael Martin will become the first Commons Speaker in more than 300 years to be forced out this afternoon. In a historic statement to MPs at 2.30pm, he will announce his resignation.
It comes after dramatic scenes in Parliament yesterday where his authority was openly challenged during a bumbling performance.
Ministers were said to have put pressure on Gordon Brown last night to get Mr Martin to stand aside. Mr Martin's spokeswoman said: 'I can confirm that the Speaker is making a statement this afternoon and that it is about himself.'
His decision to go frees the Prime Minister from the thorny decision of whether to allow a motion of no confidence in the Speaker to go ahead. It is thought he will not resign with immediate effect and may leave at the end of next month.
Either will leave Labour facing a risky by-election in his Glasgow North East seat which it could easily lose.
However, Mr Martin could simply pledge to stand down at the next General Election, which is still likely to satisfy those MPs who have been calling for his head.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
I've been of two minds on that one. While I'd love to see her get her due, having her remain in office as the epitome of Democrat idiocy and corruption pays dividends daily. If she were to go, they'd likely replace her with Steny Hoyer. The party would be over...
His resignation was one of the biggest political anti-climaxes of all time. He just read out a five line notice that he would be stepping down as of 21 June and then went on with the day’s business.
Still, that is how it should be.
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