Breaking news: The Speaker’s not for going
A ludicrous statement from the Speaker today. An ackowledgement that the House has let the country down. A declaration that ALL are to blame. A sincere apology for his part in that. A call to meet with the leaders of all parties (including “minority parties” ) to agree expenses reform. A request that no further claims are submitted until blah blah blah….
The House was hostile. The MPs angry. There were questions about when the House will be allowed to debate the vote of no confidence. There were questions about if and when he will indicate his retirement. All “batted away”. He simply refused to entertain any discussion about his own future.
MPs were not happy – understandably. An extraordinary low point in UK politics.
UPDATE: BEST COMMENT OF THE THE DAY FROM NORMAN BAKER…”THE SPEAKER JUST SIGNED HIS OWN POLITICAL DEATH WARRANT”
May 18th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
As Sky signed off their interviews outside the House after the farce inside, Big Ben chimed 4pm…. “dead man wallking?” was the question from the journalist….
May 18th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Michael Martin at sixes and sevens, the Labour Whips’ expenses coming out tomorrow.
Surely a good day for Labour to bury some bad news stories, n’est pas?
May 19th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Well, Norman Baker got that one spot on.