Lib Dem leader calls on Speaker to stand down

Sunday, 17 May 2009 12:00 AM

By politics.co.uk staff

The leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg has called on the Speaker of the House of Commons to resign.

Michael Martin has come under increasing pressure in recent days, in part due to his outburst when questioned by MPs over the recent expenses scandal.

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Clegg said the speaker was no longer the right man for the job and should do the "decent thing" and step down.

He described Mr Martin as a "dogged defender of the status quo" at a time when parliament needed radical reform.

Reports suggest a Conservative MP Douglas Carswell will put down a motion of no confidence in Mr Martin tomorrow.

Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show today, Mr Clegg said he did not seek the resignation of the speaker "lightly or with any relish" but declared: "I don't think he is the right man for the job of leading a renewal of Westminster."

Mr Clegg has become the first party leader to publicly call for Mr Martin to step down.

Tags:
• liberal democrats
,
• party politics
,
• policing and crime