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Retiring Speaker to get tributes Martin busy in final PM questions
(about 5 hours later)
Party leaders are set to lead tributes to the Commons Speaker Michael Martin on Wednesday as he presides over his last Prime Minister's Questions. Speaker Michael Martin has presided over a stormy final Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.
Mr Martin is standing down on Sunday after nine years in the office following widespread criticism of his response to the issue of MPs' expenses. Mr Martin had to step in to silence Labour MPs baying "more" at David Cameron, after he mentioned Europe.
Announcing his decision last month, Mr Martin said he was making way for the sake of unity in the Commons. But he also ticked off the Tory leader, who broke protocol on referring directly to another MP in his question to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
"Even though it's my last day, the term 'you' is not something I can approve", said Mr Martin.
Gordon Brown began the half hour session by praising Martin's "great contribution to public life".
Party leaders are expected to lead more extensive tributes to Mr Martin, who is standing down after nine years in the office, after the session at 1240BST.
He announced his decision to quit as Speaker last month, following widespread criticism of his response to the MPs expenses scandal.
A new Speaker will be elected on Monday from a field of 10 candidates.A new Speaker will be elected on Monday from a field of 10 candidates.
Michael Martin is the first Speaker to be forced from the post in more than 300 years.Michael Martin is the first Speaker to be forced from the post in more than 300 years.
He chose to step down after facing a motion of no confidence from MPs angry about his handling of the expenses issue and unconvinced he was the right man to lead efforts to reform Parliament.He chose to step down after facing a motion of no confidence from MPs angry about his handling of the expenses issue and unconvinced he was the right man to lead efforts to reform Parliament.
By convention he will also stand down as an MP, forcing a by-election in his Glasgow constituency.By convention he will also stand down as an MP, forcing a by-election in his Glasgow constituency.