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Speaker facing anger in Commons Angry MPs turn on Commons Speaker
(20 minutes later)
The Speaker of the House of Commons has been challenged by MPs to stand down in unprecedented scenes in the chamber.The Speaker of the House of Commons has been challenged by MPs to stand down in unprecedented scenes in the chamber.
Michael Martin did not mention his future in a statement on the expenses furore - instead setting out urgent action to reform the system. Michael Martin did not mention his future in a statement on the expenses furore - instead setting out proposed action to reform the system.
He said they must all "accept blame" for the "terrible damage" caused "to the reputation of this house". He said he was "profoundly sorry" for his role and said all MPs must accept blame for the "terrible damage" done.
But a succession of MPs challenged him openly saying they wanted a debate and a vote of no confidence in him. But a succession of MPs challenged him openly, saying they wanted a debate and a vote of no confidence in him.
Tory Douglas Carswell told him a new Speaker with "moral authority" to lead reform was needed.
It follows a week of damaging media revelations about MPs' expenses and criticism of the way Mr Martin has handled the row.It follows a week of damaging media revelations about MPs' expenses and criticism of the way Mr Martin has handled the row.
Labour's Gordon Prentice was the first to stand up to ask about the no confidence motion, only to be told it was not a "point of order" - to shouts of "oh yes it is".
Douglas Carswell, the Conservative backbencher who is putting forward the motion, got up to say a new Speaker with "moral authority" to lead much-needed reform was needed.
But he was told it was not a "substantive motion, it's an early day motion", which led to MPs shouting and Mr Martin having to seek clarification from a clerk.
Veteran Labour MP David Winnick asked him, "with some reluctance" to give "some indication" as to when he would retire, saying "your early retirement sir, would help the reputation of the House".
Mr Martin replied that was "not a subject for today".
Veteran Conservative MP Sir Patrick Cormack likened the mood in the Commons to the mood in the nation for the Norway debate - said to be the moment Conservative MPs realised that Neville Chamberlain had to be replaced as prime minister.
And another Conservative MP, Richard Shepherd, said the public would not believe MPs were serious about reform as long as Mr Martin remained as Speaker.
Senior Labour MP Sir Stuart Bell was one of the few to stick up for Mr Martin, saying there had "never been in the history of our land such an attack on the Speaker".
He added: "This House should calm itself down, should have a period of reflection."