Michael Martin given peerage
By politics.co.uk staff
Former Speaker Michael Martin has finally been given his peerage.
He will become Baron Martin of Springburn and of Port Dundas in the City of Glasgow.
The news was slipped out quietly in the London Gazette, reflecting the level of disquiet surrounding the appointment.
The Lords Appointment Commission had raised concerns that the former Speaker of the Commons could lower the reputation of the chamber.
But the prime minister overruled the panel last month, opening the door for him to given the title.
The former Speaker became the most high profile scalp of the expenses scandal after he became the focus of anger following an attempt to restrict the Freedom of Information Act on MPs.
His approach to the crisis, which saw him berate MPs expressing concern on news outlets, also prompted anger from political observers.
