Liberal Vision

When will the LibDems follow Carswell’s lead?

Douglas Carswell, the outspoken, media-savvy, maverick Tory MP for Harwich is leading the campaign to remove Michael Martin as Speaker by tabling a motion of no confidence.. Unlike most backbenchers, he is increasingly unlikely to have the words “little known” prefixed to his name when mentioned in the national media. (I described him as such on Radio 5 yesterday, but having looked up his recent mentions in the press, I was wrong to do so)

David Cameron has, rather shame-facedly, said that the Speaker retains his support.

Nick Clegg has said nothing so far that I’ve seen, but surely it’s time for the LibDems to lend their full weight to this move.

Getting the tone and message right is vital, of course. If the public interpret the move as MPs shifting the blame for the present political crisis entirely on to the Speaker’s shoulders, it will backfire badly.

But, surely, no one can believe that Michael Martin can remain as Speaker of the House of Commons if Westminster is serious about cleaning up its act.

Seize the initiave, Nick, and call on Martin to go.

Update from Julian H: as some of you may have seen, Lib Dem EU Parliamentary candidate (for London) Jonathan Fryer has called for Speaker Martin to go. Click here for details on Jonathan’s blog. Meanwhile, Peter Black AM doesn’t sound too impressed, either.

Update: Chris Huhne calls on Speaker to go. Surely, Nick now needs to follow suit?