The final days of Michael Martin
By Ian Dunt
Michael Martin has made his farewell speech to the Commons today, by launching a blistering but carefully worded attack on party leaders for not acting earlier on expenses.
In a moving and emotional speech Mr Martin described why he loved the mother of parliaments, but he also reserved some harsh comments for the party leaders in front of him.
He reminded the assembled MPs that he was asked to review the allowances system at the start of last year, and that the proposals concluded contained many of the same ideas which party leaders have now backed.
“I wish party leaders had shown then some of the leadership they have shown now,” he said.
“I wish with all my heart that those recommendations had won the confidence of the House.
“We should have done this last year.”
In his speech to Mr Martin Tory leader David Cameron also noted the lost opportunity, saying: “We all share responsibility for the delay.”
A new Speaker will be selected by an anonymous vote on Monday.
Mr Martin was forced from the position in the heat of the expenses scandal, when MPs turned their fire on him for assisting in attempts to keep MPs’ expenses secret.
The speech was followed by compliments from party leaders, who offered gushing praise to Mr Martin, in a manner which entirely contradicted their previous attacks on the Glasgow MP.
Nick Clegg, the first party leader to call for his resignation, started his speech by saying: “Under the circumstances it’s extremely generous of you to call me to speak today.
“Everyone here knows you gave yourself, heart and soul, to the role of Speaker. That will be your legacy,” he said.
Mr Martin was the first ever Catholic to become Speaker.
