Commons speaker under pressure to quit over expenses row

The speaker of the House of Commons is under pressure to quit

Sunday, 24, Feb 2008 12:00

Michael Martin, the speaker of the House of Commons, is under pressure to quit today following last night's resignation of his media adviser Mike Granatt.

Mike Granatt stepped down from his role as top aide to the speaker after telling journalists he was led to give a reporter misleading information relating to an expenses claim made by Mr Martin's wife.

Mr Granatt had told the reporter Mrs Martin's expenses claim for £4,000 in taxi bills over four years was for trips made with an administrative official from the Commons - when in reality Mrs Martin was accompanied by her housekeeper.

Journalists were originally told the journeys were "entirely in connection with household expenditure that supports the speaker's duties".

But it later emerged the shopping trips were for "informal" functions.

Mr Granatt's resignation and the latest allegations are a major setback for the speaker and several reports in Sunday newspapers have made other allegations.

According to the Sunday Times, Mr Martin has claimed £17,000 a year for his home in Scotland and £7,500 in home office costs.

He has also been accused of letting members of his family use Air Miles he earned. MPs are banned from using Air Miles for personal trips.

Speaking to The Observer, Mr Granatt said: "Leaving this job is almost the last thing in the world I would have wished to be doing. But I was misled."

He added "no blame should be attached" to Mr Martin.