MPs re-elect Martin as Commons Speaker
MPs re-elected Michael Martin as Commons Speaker yesterday as Parliament met for business for the first time since the general election.
After a ceremony overseen by MP for Swansea West Alan Williams, the new Father of the House, Mr Martin was returned to the post without opposition.
He immediately vowed to serve the House not the Executive and instructed ministers to make all new announcements to the Commons and not elsewhere.
His election was proposed by Conservative MP Angela Browning.
As is the tradition at Westminster, Mr Martin was “dragged” from the green Commons benches to the Speaker’s chair.
In the past, previous speakers were imprisoned or executed for standing up to the monarch on behalf of MPs.
The Speaker is also responsible for keeping order in the House of Commons and running the debates and votes.
On his re-election, the Glasgow North East MP: “This is the greatest honour that the House can give to any of its members.
“I pray I shall justify its continuing confidence and I propose to do all in my power to preserve and cherish its traditions.”
Mr Martin was elected speaker in 2000 after the retirement of Betty Boothroyd.
