With this being the third post about Andrew Turner it feels a little like this is AndrewTurner.com, but bunching of stories is just something that happens when you and your job are front and centre of the current news – Ed.
As you probably heard there’s been a bit of a kerfuffle about the Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin MP.
He’s held the post of Speaker since October 2000 and this afternoon announced his intention to resign on 21st June during a 34 second statement to the House.
Pressure has been building on him for a while, but it’s the row over MPs’ expenses and heated confrontations with MPs in the House in recent times that has really pushed it over the edge.
Andrew Turner today spoke of his feelings on the matter, “I believe his resignation became inevitable, following his handling of the row over MPs’ expenses. Whilst he may have made errors of judgement – who hasn’t – I will particularly remember the kindness he showed me as I came back to work following a stroke. I am writing to him again to thank him for his support during such a difficult time.”
Looking towards the appointment of the new speaker, Andrew Turner added, “This gives us a fresh start. We will be able to move forward with a new Speaker; who will need to implement significant reforms. It is clear Parliament needs to make changes to regain the public’s trust and I shall be listening to the candidates over the next few weeks to judge who will be best able to to take us forward with these.”
