">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
UK's parliament speaker faces no-confidence bid
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
UK's parliament speaker faces no-confidence bid
AFP - Tuesday, May 19
LONDON (AFP) - - A group of lawmakers launched a rare bid on Monday to oust the Speaker of the House of Commons, over an expenses scandal which has rocked Britain's political leadership and triggered widespread public anger.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fifteen MPs from all three main parties signed a motion of no-confidence in Michael Martin, who could become the first holder of the prestigious office to be removed in 300 years.
Martin, criticised for repeatedly trying to suppress information about deputies, was to unveil plans later in the day to rewrite parliament's tattered expenses rule book after more than a week of embarrassing revelations.
But there is increasing pressure for him to pay the price personally for the scandal, which has revealed lawmakers claiming taxpayers' money for everything from swimming pools to moat-cleaning and installing chandeliers.
The no-confidence motion was presented by opposition Conservative MP Douglas Carswell, who said he hoped it could lead to a parliamentary debate on it -- even though in theory it is up to the Speaker to decide on such a move.
"There is no precedent for such a motion," he wrote on his blog.
"However, I am advised that, given that this is the first direct challenge to the authority of a sitting Speaker in over 300 years, it is not unreasonable to assume that he now request the government find time for a debate on it."
Martin, the top authority in the lower parliamentary chamber, has been accused of being an obstacle to reform of the expenses system, whose failures have been highlighted by leaked details of five years of MPs' claims.
Amid growing public anger at the revelations, the leader of the second opposition Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, on Sunday became the first major party leader to call for the speaker to go.
The no-confidence motion was signed by lawmakers from Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Labour party, as well as the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
"More names are expected to declare, as MPs return from listening to their angry constituents over the weekend," said Carswell.
Martin was a long-time member of the Labour party, but renounced his political loyalties according to tradition when he took office as speaker in 2000. He was due to make an emergency statement in the House of Commons on Monday.
Asked about the no-confidence motion, Brown's official spokesman said: "The speaker is not appointed by the prime minister and it is right that the prime minister supports the individual elected to be speaker by the House of Commons."
A close ally of Martin, Labour MP Jim Sheridan, said he expected the Speaker to talk "about where his future lies."
"I think Michael today will make a statement about where his future lies. I personally would like to see him stay until the next election, get through the reforms we need to get through," he told BBC radio.
Elected by lawmakers and unchallenged in parliamentary polls, the Speaker chairs the proceedings of the house and traditionally stays in the job until he retires. The last time a post-holder was forced out was more than 300 years ago.
In 1695, Sir John Trevor was forced to quit as speaker after MPs found him guilty of bribery for accepting money to push through a piece of legislation.
Business minister Peter Mandelson declined to speculate on Martin's future.
"Whatever your views about the Speaker, the fact is that this is a system of paying MPs, of remunerating MPs, which has got to change," he told Sky News television.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
EU budget chief looks set to be Lithuania's new presidentAFP - Monday, May 18
Darfur rebel chief to appear before war crimes courtAFP - Monday, May 18
Israel PM in US for talks on Mideast peaceAFP - Monday, May 18
Volkswagen, Porsche talks suspended amid spatAFP - Monday, May 18
Fourth spacewalk under way to repair HubbleAFP - Monday, May 18
Enlarge Photo
Speaker of the House of Commons Michael Martin pictured at the State Opening of Parliament in the Member's Lobby of the Palace of Westminster in London, December 2008. A group of lawmakers launched a rare bid on Monday to oust Martin over an expenses scandal which has rocked Britain's political leadership and triggered widespread public anger.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Popular cereal is a drug, US food watchdog says
Astronauts begin final spacewalk to repair Hubble
Coral Triangle could die by century's end: WWF
British store admits it boobed in bra row
Australian zoo evacuated after orangutan escape
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 19 May 2009 Iraqi general election set for January 30
S. Africa's Vodacom opens on stock exchange
Tamil protesters refuse to believe in Tigers' defeat
| International
|
Britain's Lloyds to raise £4bln to repay govt funds
Crisis-battered Russian industry slows 16.9%
UK's parliament speaker faces no-confidence bid
EU cancels substantial aid to Fiji
U.N. says 1.4 mln people displaced in Pakistan valley
| International
|
Iraq airs tape of purported insurgent leader
| International
|
Trading halted on India markets after poll surge
Iraq sets provisional January 30 election date
| International
|
Anti-abortion outcry as Obama heads to Catholic university
UN, World Bank pledge SE Asia disaster cooperation
Brazil's Lula in China to boost trade
WHO assembly opens amid flu pandemic fears
Cheaper iPhone with no data plan possible: analyst
| Technology
|
Twitter to launch business tools by year-end
| Technology
|
Indian markets surge on Congress victory
Islamic militants behead carpenter in Philippines
Napster cuts price and adds 5 downloads
| Technology
|
Japan flu cases soar as WHO mulls pandemic alert
Tamil Tiger leader dead: Sri Lanka official
China cracks down on military graft, extravagance
Mobile chip firms see better second quarter
| Technology
|
Looting of Chinese shops spreads in PNG
Nvidia upbeat on demand, graphics computing
| Technology
|
Oslo bells peel out Eurovision winner
Scrooge comes to Cannes for snowy Disney blockbuster
Farrah Fawcett cried, joked about her documentary
| Entertainment
|
Secretive lives for gays in conservative Ethiopia
Cynthia Nixon engaged to girlfriend
| Entertainment
|
Clouds on horizon for American Idol juggernaut?
| Entertainment
|
Fox looks to music, dance and laughs for TV lineup
| Entertainment
|
Music magazine Paste begs readers for bailout
| Entertainment
|
Bacon NY exhibit portrays shocking human brutality
| Entertainment
|
Angels & Demons fails to crack Code
| Entertainment
|
NASA To Screen "Star Trek" In Space
Huckabee Pens Poem About Pelosi's Claim Of Being Misled By CIA
Kate Moss May Be Converting To Buddhism In Search For Calmer Life
Still Married, But Fergie Reveals She Is Bisexual
Beyonce Taking Driving Lessons From Champion Race Car Driver Lewis Hamilton
Afghan police train for treacherous frontlines
British speaker says sorry in expenses row
Workers halt strike at China Internet company Baidu
Palestinians adjourn talks as joint force idea collapses
Spacewalkers give Hubble new lease on life
'New' Newsweek hits the newsstands
US Congress votes for financial crisis probe
Sri Lanka declares victory as rebels deny chief dead
| International
|
Internet can help free US reporters in NKorea: Clinton
AmEx to cut 4,000 jobs in global restructuring
Google ups share of Web search
Fiat, Opel bosses meet to discuss takeover: sources
Trial of Suu Kyi begins in Myanmar
| International
|
U.N. says 1.4 million people displaced in Pakistan valley
| International
|
Afghanistan says no plan to put U.S. ex-envoy in charge
| International
|
Mediators work to salvage Russia-Georgia talks
| International
|
India's Congress elects Singh as parliament leader
| International
|
Biden seeks to bolster still divided Bosnia
| International
|
North Korea executes ex-point man on South: report
| International
|
World top city chiefs meet to fight climate change
Bill Clinton to be UN special envoy to Haiti
Obama, Netanyahu hold private one-on-one talks
Nvidia accuses Intel of unfair pricing
| Technology
|
Marvell: 1 in 2 phones will soon be smartphones
| Technology
|
Toyota rolls out new Prius to fend off rivals
Pakistan targets 35 bln rupees in T-bill auction
Asia Crude-Taiwan CPC seeks July heavy sweet
UN, World Bank pledge SE Asia disaster cooperation
Dafoe says 'Antichrist' most challenging role ever
Pakistan's c/a deficit narrows in July-April
Aussie star Hemsworth set for 'Thor': report
China's economic influence over NKorea grows
Former agent gets probation for Hollywood wiretaps
Swine flu may have 'notable' economic effects: IMF
Seoul shares end weaker led by refiners;autos rise
Lambert and Allen to sing for American Idol crown
| Entertainment
|
F1 World championship faces summer of discontent
Law & Order to return for 20th season
| Entertainment
|
Lionel Richie ready to Go with new music
| Entertainment
|
Ooh, ahh: Cantona romps home again at Cannes
Imagination overwhelms story in Antichrist
| Entertainment
|
Plasticine 'paradise' stars at low-key Chelsea Flower Show
Bright Star finds poetry in romantic restraint
| Entertainment
|
US vacations become victim of weak economy
Tarantino and To hit it off on Cannes beach
Dafoe says 'Antichrist' most challenging role ever
Porn star Marilyn Chambers died of heart disease
| Entertainment
|
'Evil' China sex park torn down: state media
Aussie star Hemsworth set for 'Thor': report
Presidential 'Pardon': Steelers Linebacker Passes On Obama Visit
Iran watchdog clears ex-PM for presidency elections
UK parliamentary Speaker to step down over scandal
| International
|
Vodafone earnings plummet after massive charge
US banks to lose billions over commercial property
ASEAN prods Myanmar junta over Suu Kyi trial
| International
|
Penelope Cruz Struck Down With Food Poisoning In Cannes
Rapper Dolla Shot Down Outside L.A. Mall
Mel Gibson Settles "Passion Of The Christ" Lawsuit By Writer
US, states sue Wyeth over drug prices
Health officials weigh supply of global flu vaccines
| International
|
Kanye West Denies Paparazzi Assault In Airport
Chinese Sex Theme Park Demolished After Swell of Public Outcry
Allen Gets $5 Million In Clothing Ad Settlement
Fayyad to lead reshuffled Palestinian government
| International
|
Stage Collapse At Derbyshire Music Festival Injures 3
Anti-piracy body backs off on international maritime force
| International
|
Iran leader says U.S. promoting terrorism
| International
|
Georgia, Russia talks in full swing co-chair
| International
|
Woody Allen Settles Lawsuit With American Apparel For $5 Million
Fawcett To Release Second "Farrah's Story" Docu-Film
"Survivor: Africa" Winner Ethan Zohn Reveals Battle With Cancer
Biden kicks off tour of fragile Balkans
Sprint to sell Palm Pre for $200 after rebate
| Technology
|
SanDisk CEO upbeat on 2009
| Technology
|
Napster cuts price and adds 5 downloads
| Technology
|
Miley Cyrus blasts cyber-bullies
| Technology
|
In recession, pampered pets still find luxury online
| Technology
|
Despite Swine Flu Fears, Americans Keep Their Travel Plans
Obama To Announce First Nationwide Carbon Emissions Standards For Autos
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Warrants Fell In 2008
Sentencing For Mother Accused In MySpace Bullying Case Delayed
Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ posts 2.7 bln dollar loss
Pastor, Wife, Fireman Charged With Laundering Drug Money Through Mortgages In Miami
Indonesian president meets Qatar emir
Thai auto sales fall 27.4 pct in April: industry
U.S., Russia Quietly Begin Nuclear Weapon Reduction Talks In Moscow
Taiwan pedals ahead with bike tours to lure visitors
WHO Chief Warns Of Bird Flu, Swine Flu Interaction
S.Korea Apr start-up/failure ratio at 9-mth high
First Hearing On Shooting Of Unarmed Man By BART Officer Focuses On Disturbing Videos
Senate Votes On Credit Cardholders' Bill Of Rights Tuesday
S.Korea banks long-term FX borrowing rises sharply
College Graduates Enter An Ever-Shrinking South Florida Job Market
Taiwan dollar hits 2009 closing high as economic fears ease
Korea Hot Stocks
S.Korea bonds retreat as shares jump
Seoul shares open up led by techs and banks
Turkish bulldozers raze 1,000 years of Rom history
Almodovar directs Cruz again in homage to cinema
| Entertainment
|
Realist film tradition still thrives at Cannes
| Entertainment
|
Cynthia Nixon engaged to girlfriend
| Entertainment
|
Director Soderbergh uses nonactors for latest film
| Entertainment
|
Rocker Jack White Punched Out One Of His Female Bandmates
Mariah Carey Pays To Bring Her Entire Entourage To Cannes
New software makes iPhones spreadsheet-friendly
Pastor, Wife, Fireman Charged With Laundering Drug Money Through Mortgages In Miami
Chinese Sex Theme Park Demolished After Swell of Public Outcry
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights