Speaker apologises for expenses scandal

Published on Monday 18 May 2009 16:47

UNDER-fire Commons Speaker Michael Martin has today apologised for the expenses scandal which has engulfed Westminster but gave no immediate indication about stepping down from his post.

In an eagerly awaited Commons statement, Mr Martin said he was "profoundly sorry" for the public anger over MPs' expenses claims.

"We all bear a heavy responsibility for the terrible damage to the reputation of this House.

"We must do everything we possibly can to regain the trust and confidence of the people."

Mr Martin said he was calling a meeting of all the party leaders over the next 48 hours to discuss proposals for reform of the system.

And he urged MPs not to submit further second home claims until the matter was resolved.

His statement came after a motion of no confidence in Mr Martin was tabled by Tory MP Douglas Carswell, and signed by 15 MPs from the three major parties, after Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg urged him to resign.

Mr Martin said the early day motion calling for him to be replaced was not "substantive".

The Speaker refused to say whether he would be stepping down before the next general election.