Motion of no confidence in the Speaker

Enough is enough. 

I've drafted the text of a motion for the Speaker to quit, and to be replaced by a new Speaker with a mandate to clean up the Commons.  I'm consulting the Commons Table Office for advice on it.

I'm also starting to canvass for support for it from colleagues.

UPDATE:  Table Office has just approved some text for a suitable motion.

UPDATE:  The dam begins to crumble:  Ben Wallace MP has joined me in calling for the Speaker to go.

UPDATE:  During an interview on BBC Radio Scotland with Norman Baker MP this morning (Tuesday), he said it's the "end of the road" for Speaker Martin.  And then there were three.  

Posted on 11 May 2009 by Douglas Carswell

Comments

YES!

Brilliant, Douglas, absolutely brilliant. This is exactly what any responsibly MP should be doing, and I hope it succeeds.

Posted on 11 May 2009 10:44 by www.workingclasstory.com

Quite right. Let's hope that it at least gets a hearing. It appears that Labour has now given up completely and is just hanging on until the bitter end without any pretence at caring about the people.

Posted on 11 May 2009 10:57 by Paul

Good luck with that. I fear you will be disappointed by the reaction of your colleagues, though.

How many votes do you need?

Posted on 11 May 2009 11:19 by Obnoxio The Clown

Well done that man for having the courage, backbone - call it what you will - to actually do something which I feel the leaders of the two opposition parties should have led on.

Like Obnoxio I fear about the support you may get, or not.

Acknowledging that, as I believe you know, I am a fan of you and Daniel if only we had one of you as party leader of the Conservatives!

Posted on 11 May 2009 11:31 by witteringsfromwitney

Well done. The Speaker after all is in charge of the expenses and could, if he wasn't immersed in the mire, sort it out. A new untainted one could. But the idea of ultimately privatising MPs allowances and expenses to save them from FOI scrutiny is outrageous.

Posted on 11 May 2009 12:02 by Dr. Nick Ashley

Good on you and good luck with it.

BTW, terrible performance on R5 by Theresa May.

Posted on 11 May 2009 12:53 by Plato-Says

Thank you

Posted on 11 May 2009 13:04 by Kirk

Confucious said:
To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage.

Glad to hear you're not wanting.

Posted on 11 May 2009 13:16 by Deborah

Good luck, this is long overdue. It takes courage to 'kick against the pricks'. A Bible quote but apt whichever way you read it.

Posted on 11 May 2009 13:50 by Phil

Well done Mr Carswell.
I sincerely hope you succeed.
Good luck.

Posted on 11 May 2009 13:59 by Mr Jones

Well done It's not just that speaker Martin should be held to account for this disastrous shambles by his constant refusal to bow to public opinion & the courts but also his debasement of Parliament by his antics aptly displayed when he failed to call an opposition MP having been thwarted in his refusal to call Ms Dorries The sooner he goes the better He's a disgrace to any party let alone Labour

Posted on 11 May 2009 14:16 by Ex labour supporter

Well done that man! Thank you. I'm absolutely appalled at all the troughing - and Gorbals Mick is the leader on that score - so today I've set up a petition asking the Queen to dissolve Parliament:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/dissolve-the-british-parliament.html

Posted on 11 May 2009 14:23 by Ruth

Brilliant!! This has needed doing for a long time.
If anyone tries to pressure you out of doing it, tell them to take a hike.

Posted on 11 May 2009 14:28 by mitch

You have hit the nail on the head and until Gorballs Mick is removed as Speaker, the reputation of genuinely honourable MPs such as yourself will continue to be tarnished.

Perhaps your readers would like to read about my campaign called GROT - Get Rid of Troughers.

http://www.notthebarnettimes.co.uk/2009/05/grot.html

Posted on 11 May 2009 14:41 by Don't Call Me Dave

Well done. At last. Thank you.

The Speaker is the one person with the power and authority to rectify this appalling situation.

Speaker Martin has disgraced himself, his high office and the House by moving heaven and earth to prevent reform and disclosure, right up to the High Court which, fortunately for us, overturned him - despite Gordon Brown's best efforts in support of his lickspittle Party comrade.

With the backing of the government benches (and you're going to have an uphill struggle with them) who have aided and abetted him, Speaker Martin has betrayed the House (over Green and much more), abused Parliament (with the unwarranted sacking of honourable officers and other actions) and has spearheaded the most brazenly corrupt, determined and prolonged display of self-serving and partisan contempt for both Parliament and people in recent (if not all) history. He is contemptible. He refuses to resign so he must be removed.

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:06 by Prodicus

Congratulations and good luck.

The honest politicians in parliament need to club together and weed out dishonest troughers.

Michael Martin is a good start.

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:28 by Jonathan Cook

If you can push this through you will have done the nation a great service. It will be a labour of Hercules though.

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:31 by MikeP

Well done.

I believe one or two MPs should also be on their way but I don't hold out too much hope.

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:34 by Andy Boyne

Well played to you. The biggest danger will be the accusation of partisanship. If you can get round that Parliament may begin to recover some authority. Perhaps the backing of a Ming Campbell or a Frank Field?

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:35 by councilhousetory

Is see that Michael Martin is trying to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8043447.stm


Too late Mr Martin. Way too late.

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:52 by Jonathan Cook

Bravo Mr Carswell,I will be leaving my MP under no illusions as how I expect him to vote should you get that far.

Can I suggest everyone else does the same.

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:57 by insert-coin-here

Well done Douglas - a great move for which I hope you will achieve much cross party support.

A change of Speaker is long overdue...

Posted on 11 May 2009 15:59 by Adrian Turner

The most self-serving Speaker of my political lifetime. (I'm 60!)-best of luck!.More power to your elbow!

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:04 by Anthony Kaye

Well done Mr C. I applaud your stance and courage.

And, you may be surprised at the support you get from fellow MPs - a 'sacrificial old goat' could act as a form of lightening conductor to the public's ire.

Then after a suitable period, say after the Summer recess, it would be 'back to the trough' chaps and chapesses.

Call me a cynical old git if you like - I am.

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:17 by wonderfulforhisage

The last time this happened was 1694, when Speaker Trevor (another man whose shameless rapacity disgusted all who knew him) had to put the motion for his own condemnation from the Chair. All voted Aye. Not one voice voted No. Now let's hear it for Speaker Martin!

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:24 by eeyore

Douglas - what date is the motion likely to be tabled?

I think that there is a significant cross-section of the public in every constituency who would wish to show their support.

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:31 by Cassius

Well done, Douglas. Best of luck to you.
We all know that you have been trying to rid this country of this appalling Speaker for some time - not jumping on a bandwagon.
You will have your work cut out, but remember that the vast majority of the country agrees with you.
Douglas for PM, I say.

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:34 by Liz

Well done - resisting the FOI claim was bad enough, but the outrageous decision to call in the police is surely the last straw. He's not fit for his office, and should be made to go.

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:37 by Carl Gardner

Well Done!

No wonder the Martin was "grumpy" this afternoon (his word)!

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:49 by Fausty

Well done Douglas. Please ask Michael Fallon. He's my MP, I'm seeing him and Greg Clark next week and I'd like to ask them both whether they'll be supporting the motion. After that good luck implementing the Plan.

Posted on 11 May 2009 16:55 by Jake Scott

Bravo Mr Carswell!
It is not too soon, as Mr Martin is one of too many that haven't got the decency to quit.

Posted on 11 May 2009 17:02 by J. Perks

Fantastic news- Martin has been a disaster and is a disgrace to the office of Speaker.

Posted on 11 May 2009 17:10 by The Lancastrian Oik

about time

Posted on 11 May 2009 17:25 by gareth

Just heard Michael Martin on PM haranguing Kate Hoey. The man is an absolute disgrace.

Posted on 11 May 2009 17:26 by Oxbridge Prat

Thank goodness there is one MP prepared to make a start at saving our rapidly crumbling democracy.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:09 by Brian Tomkinson

@eeyore: "The last time this happened was 1694, when Speaker Trevor (another man whose shameless rapacity disgusted all who knew him) had to put the motion for his own condemnation from the Chair."

That would have been difficult for Speaker Trevor to do, since he excused himself from the House on the day the motion was to be debated (and never came back).

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:10 by Bob Melton

Well done, remove this corrupt idiot before he keels over from a heart attack.
He must rank as the worst Speaker of all time. I suppose in the age of Blair and Brown as the worst PM's its consistent.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:12 by Wolvreen

Well done Douglas, go for it. The country stands shoulder to shoulder alongside you.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:12 by Paddy

You have the support of many disgusted citizens behind you. Well done.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:25 by Ruth

Best of luck Douglas! Martin is part of the problem, his attacks on Kate Hoey and Norman Baker for having the temerity to disagree with him was utterly pathetic.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:31 by The Watcher

Brilliant Douglas! :)

Please clean up Parliament!

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:39 by Mark

That's terrific. I wish you all the best with this motion. I hope that your colleagues have the backbone to support you. Hopefully he'll do the decent thing and resign now. If the compromise is that he'll resign at the next general election then I'm afraid that's not good enough.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:41 by Disillusioned

Michael Martin is another one of Gordon Brown's Bully boys - whose only interest is keeping Gordon in the job, no regard for the public who pay their salaries. The soon Martin is out the better Parliament will operate.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:45 by greychatter

Just seen the Michael Martin explosion concerning MPs expenses, the man is a total disgrace, wish you all the best in removing him although I don't know how easy this will be.

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:45 by Andy

An excellent start ... now just implement "The Plan" (+ reducing MP numbers to @ 100) and you'll tempt a very 'jaundiced' ex-pat to begin voting again ! ...

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:46 by J. Derek Riddell

As an ordinary type who pays taxes, lives within the rules and believes in democracy, I am grateful that you have shown bravery in speaking out against Martin. The man should have some decency and quit, but he clings onto power like the rest of the boney dying corpse of the whole rotting putrid government.

Never in recent times has a cabal of disgusting self-servers shown such disregard for all we have fought to earn and preserve in this country. Your stance has my full support, finally an MP with guts and courage appears. Commeth the hour, commeth the man!

Posted on 11 May 2009 18:57 by James Richards

Go for it. The public are gonna back you all the way.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:02 by CryBaby

Well done, and Good Luck Mr. Carswell, I'd love to see the back of him.

Paul, London.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:06 by Paul Mascarenhas

Good on you, lets hope you succeed and soon too.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:12 by Sandy

I witness that bufoon Martin berating Kate Hoey- an absolute disgrace-he looked like an out of date headteacher talking to a naughty schoolgirl, wagging his finger. Well done to your effort to rid Westminster of this man who has encouraged and acted as a role model to (alledgedly) milk the alowances system

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:12 by takingthemichael

I am in full agreement with you. This greedy, cliquey and slightly sinister fool should be kicked out. Police indeed. What a waste of time.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:14 by mark forster

Get rid of this disgrace of a Speaker. He brings the position and the entire House into utter disrepute.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:14 by Gareth

Right on!

The speaker is a disgrace and he should have sorted this ages ago and is still refusing to admit there was anything wrong.

He's making you all look like pigs, so has to go, and looking at his previous he'll have to be pushed - he has no honour to quit.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:15 by Norm

Mr Martin (I am being polite!!) represents all the deception that Bliar conned the country into accepting. Same spots! No change. Unworthy of the post! Should not be allowed to resign but should be investigated by the police and if found guilty of malfeasance in public office should bear the full penalty and should not be alone in being subject to investigation.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:20 by Thomas Murphy

Keep the pressure on Douglas. Mr Martin is a disgrace to the office of Speaker

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:24 by tonypoto

Good to see there is still some honourable MPs somewhere (hopefully not amongst thieves)!

I just called for <a href="http://agibostale.blogspot.com/2009/05/house-of-commons-speaker-martin-should.html">House of Commons Speaker Martin to resign</a>. His statement to the House this afternoon was disgraceful!

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:27 by Cybernest

You have my support.Resign Martin, you are a disgrace to the position of Speaker. I'm going to enjoy watching you read out this motion you selfserving fraud.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:31 by Jules

About time too, when you watch pmq's it's appauling to see how biased he is and his attitude to the expenses scandal is beyond a joke, he has got to go

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:34 by Mrs Bryan

I wish you luck, you'll need it; there will be a lot of opposition from some, (a lot?) of MPs who still cannot, or will not, see that they have done wrong. If you do manage it will you start on Brussels next?

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:35 by Ciggy

Martin is the thin end of the wedge. But it's a start.

He should have gone a long time ago, as should many others.

Anyway, good luck.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:35 by James

Totally agree. The man is a crook. Should have been fired when the scandal over his wife's taxi fares to Waitrose was uncovered.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:37 by bobthehamster

....stones....glass houses.....regional prejudices.....

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:37 by Scotswahay

I'm so glad someone is taking some action about this disgraceful situation. I thought the 10p income tax debacle was a low point in Government but this dishonesty over expenses is even worse'

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:42 by Jane Robinson

I fully support your tabled motion against Speaker Martain, and fervently hope you succeed

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:44 by Lincolnshire YB

Removal of Michael Martin is long overdue and I wish you success. What pride can we have in a country with a Parliament that has him as the Speaker of the House of Commons?

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:45 by John

Mr Speaker should have been 'essed' out of his job a long time ago. Since then, his, and our, situation has worsened considerably. Parliament should make a start on clearing up the mess it has created and the most obvious starting point is the Soeaker.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:47 by Harry Read

MM is an oaf and an embarrassment. GO!!!

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:48 by Nick Brodrick

Well done and good luck. Hopefully Mr. Martin will do the decent thing and will jump before he's pushed.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:48 by Robin Stringfellow

Excellent - you have my full support.

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:51 by Paul

Huzzah !

Good work Douglas !

More importantly, I have just seen you on Sky News and applaud your proposal for direct accountability to the electorate as per the USA system of government. It actually had me, a usually reserved sort of chap, punching the air in agreement. Having lived in the USA for 10 years, I can say without doubt that, for all their faults, they have a far stronger democratic process.

This expense debacle is hopefully a "tipping point" in history that will result in empowerment for the electorate via Internet voting etc... and give ordinary people a stake / sense of engagement in the major issues of the day. The USA achieves this by giving their citizens the chance to vote on what they call "propositions". An example might be European membership :-)

As for Michael Martin, he epitomises all that is wrong with the UK government system and dinosaurs that reside in many quarters. The time has come to launch structural reforms that make MPs accountable and encourage ordidinary people, from all walks of life, to enter politics based on a sense of duty and improving people's lives as opposed to lining their own pockets.

Rant Over !

Posted on 11 May 2009 19:58 by ColinW

Sir I congratulate you on your stance and bravery. I hope you get the backing form the other MP's however I suspect not. But you have my backing 100%.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:00 by Ranger1640

Thank you for taking this stand Mr Carswell - it is long past due time that Mr Martin was brought back down to earth! Will we have to put up with him whining that it is all a plot because of his working class background though?

As someone else who has a working class background, being brought up in the back-to-back terraced houses of industrial south Leeds, all that I can say is that I was not only brought up to be honest but also take take repsonsibility for my own actions however!

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:02 by Tony Wells

Only downside, if he stands again, then the parties can't oppose him but an independent candidate can stand, and would in all likelyhood win

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:04 by Nick

Mr Speaker is out of touch and out of his depth. Hes has to go (and not to the House of Lords). He has unfortunately bought politics in Britain into disrepute.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:05 by David Brinkman

Good luck. Speed the day of Martins departure which is long overdue.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:05 by P.Bache

It is not the papers but the MPs like the present Speaker who shatter the voters' confidence in Parliament.
If the rules allow sacking the Speaker, Michael Martin is the most perfect candidate for it.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:06 by Pia

I, along with the rest of the country sincerely hope you succeed.
Good luck and well done.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:07 by Terry Curtis

thank you for doing the decent thing. my best wishes for your success with it.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:08 by thomas

i know its not possible but how about Joanna Lumley for Speaker!

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:16 by Theoldf*rt

Please, please be successful in your attempts to get rid of this biased buffoon.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:21 by Laurence Escreet

Well done and good luck with getting rid of this disgraceful buffoon.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:22 by George

Good luck. The Prince of Troughers Gorbals Mick must be removed for Britain's sake.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:23 by bob owen

The situation till now, is a result of many cause.

Mainly is greed of many especially among powerfuls. The long in power the greedier they are. The big greedy empower smaller greedy to grab everything from the public.

Have you noticed that the economy just show a little sign of recovery, they try to increase the interest and living cost.

They even don't give us a break.

They are from hell. They look pretty in all the nice expensive clothes. Really they are EVILS!!

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:24 by Miya

Mr Carswell, I am just an ordinary working tax paying member of this country. Thank you for doing this. I wish you all the luck in the world. It is uplifting to find one MP who is willing to do something about this odious Speaker who has done so much to hurt a wonderful institution. Well done

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:25 by Rick Naylor

Go for it. We have had enough

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:29 by James Noble

Well done. I shall be writing to my MP (Andrew Murison) to ask him to support your motion.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:33 by Richard Wilson

Best of luck Douglas.

Know that you represent the feeling of a lot of people in this country.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:35 by Mark Reckons

Well done. Finally a man with integrity.

I'm afraid it won't be enough though. What we really need is constitutional reform. Who are we to vote for now? It seems there are very few MPs with integrity enough to place the public before their own greed.

In the coming election we need a box with 'none of the above'. Perhaps then there can be a coalition of moral and responsible politicians who CAN run a country BUT keep their fingers out of the till.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:35 by Mark Rose

I watched at 3.30pm and could not believe my eyes or my ears.To say that he is living in another world is to do an injustice to a Martian.
Remove him this week and it will be the first step to re-building the foundations of trust.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:36 by Mike R

l was at the point of believing that spines were extinct in the H.O.C. Thankfully l've been proved wrong.

May l suggest that you print off all the comments here and from other blogs like Dales etc and leave them on the Speakers chair. Better still, place a tub of lard there ... no-one would ever notice the difference!

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:38 by Spartan

Well done Mr C; the Speaker has acted disgracefully and I wish you luck.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:39 by GV

Having today watched Gorbals Mick momentarily remove his own snout from the trough to blame an as yet unknown public spirited civil servant and the press en-bloc for the current political crisis, without commenting at all on the real villains of the piece, I can only applaud you initiative.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:41 by figurewizard

At last: an honourable politician. Good luck.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:43 by Keith

Obnoxious, arrogant, Martin should go. Best of luck.

Dave

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:43 by Dave Atherton

Presumably Ben Wallace signed for you in view of:

http://www.politicshome.com/landing.aspx#7676

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:44 by witteringsfromwitney

Dear Mr. Carswell

I wish you success in your motion to remove Michael Martin as Speaker.

I would say however that there is nothing to be proud of and people shouldn't take any joy out of this.

The day that your motion is read out will be a sad day for Parliament and its history.

Yours sincerely

George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:45 by George Laird

Well done - though I fear it will prove too late even if he is removed this week.
I suspect his protests about going would be more convincing than the traditional ones when a Speaker is elected.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:46 by Eric J

Well done Mr Carswell and good luck with your effort to rid us of this hopelessly-out-of-his-depth fool.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:49 by John Rattray

Thank You Mr Carswell

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:51 by Jim Morrison

He should go but it won't be easy. Look what he has to lose!

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:52 by alan smith

The Apostate salutes you! it's only a start though!

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:53 by Apostate Guardianista

I hope you succeed for all our sakes. Good luck.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:53 by Maria P

Ladies and Gentlemen
The Speaker of the House is an absolute disgrace to a position that was once highly repected-remember Betty?
He must go!
Tally Ho!
Darcy Dancer

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:54 by Darcy Dancer

Michael Martin is an absolute disgrace.

The man cannot even read from his piece of paper during such an important statement, just gives the impression he'd rather be elsewhere, like a five star luxury hotel fit for kings and bishops.

He's part of the problem, he is not impartial - simply put, he has to go, and go before he does any further damage to our parliament's prestige.

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:55 by Steve

I wish you every success in removing Speaker Martin. The man's a dinosaur. Failing that, couldn't you persuade Martin Bell to stand against him at the next election?

Posted on 11 May 2009 20:57 by Mike Bell

My opinion of Mr Martin has never been high, but after this disgraceful performance, I can only hope that the few members of Parliament left with any dignity or humility, give you their complete backing immediately.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:00 by Steve Weaver

In this whole sorry episode few politicians have come out well. But the red faced freeloader who has called in the police to investigate not the robbery of public money by members of all parties, but the source of information about this public scandal,surely comes out worst.

As one who has roots in Glasgow, and has been a Labour voter all my life, I call for this arrogant buffoon to be consigned to oblivion, and his Parliamentary masters likewise.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:01 by mike mckenzie

Splendid! You'll not be popular with a few despicable monsters - but no loss, I think. Well done.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:05 by Chuck Unsworth

reminds me of the corrupt top union bosses of the 70's. get rid of him

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:06 by john kersley

We need a speaker that will do right by the British public and not someone that acts like a shop steward for MPs.

Whenever there is something to hide we hear the words security risk as justification. What a load of rubbish.

I welcome a vote of no confidence in this speaker. He should have been replaced a long time ago.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:07 by Tony Barretto

Good luck, well done! Time that someone stood up and did something about this awful man. Hope you succeed!

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:08 by Ursula.L

Parliament has become less and less relevant and now engenders no respect. This over the past 16 years. The Tories started it but Labour have jumped on the train with a gusto and accelerated it. This from a governement who pledged to be squeaky clean. We need only half the number of MPs- and that's being generous.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:08 by Richard

The straw that broke the british taxpayers backs. Well done sir, get the rogues out. and may I suggest that all who clamoured so loudly for Fred the Shred to pay back his ill gotten gains follow their own advice?

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:13 by Angrymum

Good luck, the man's a disgrace.

And when you've done that, how about petioning the Queen to dissolve parliament?

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:16 by Frank Fisher

Thank you Mr Carswell . Speaker Martin is indeed a disgrace to Parliament and to himself . I am more than embarrassed that this buffoon comes from Scotland .

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:21 by George S Morrison

BRAVO ! Mr Carswell.

The removal of one of the biggest pigs in the Westminster Trough is long overdue.

Gorbals Mick has dragged the State Office of Speaker through the dirt with his financial skullduggery.

Get rid of him.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:22 by Silent Hunter

Well Done - at last an MP with the integrity to stand up and be counted against this endemic corruption. Ever since being voted in as Speaker, Michael Martin has exemplified the very worst of Parliament. Utterly biased, grossly incompetent, and shamelessly self-serving he needs to be immediately removed from his position if there is any hope to restoring people's trust in the House. Also it's about time that the excellent Elizabeth Filkin was restored to her post - overseeing parliamentary standards - never have her services been so much needed.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:25 by Marion S.

He is a disgrace to his Office.
He should never have been appointed in the first place.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:26 by John G

I have to say that I am impressed you have done this. Apart from anything else, you've broken a precedent that goes back a long long time, but needed to be broken. Thats actually gained you a big mark of respect in my eyes. Apart from anything else Michael Martin is not just out of touch. He is incompetent as well. Its been shown on a number of occasions. I don't vote Tory, and probably never will, but we don't need somebody who is not up to the job and excessively partisan to boot.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:28 by HP

Good on you!!
It will be a start if you can get rid of that piece of scum.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:30 by Ted

It can't happen soon enough. The man is a disgrace to his office.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:31 by ian ashworth

Michael Martin is a joke. He is rubbish at the day to day activity of being, well, Speaker. But worse, his snout is deeper in the trough than anyone. He HAS to go.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:32 by John Lewis

Good luck, Mr. Carswell.
I am seriously worried about the direction the remnants of British democracy are taking.
Removing Speaker Martin is a start, but there's a hell of lot of work to do.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:36 by anne allan

Hope it succeeds. The sooner MM goes back to his proper job - gutter cleaning and driving his white van with a ladder on top - the better for all of us and the nation. The damage caused to this nation by him, Blair and Brown is practically incalculable.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:46 by Stuart Perry

I fully support your views. I believe a police investigation is needed. If I submitted such expense claims I would have been fired for fraud. This should also apply to MPs including the Speaker

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:47 by Glen Morangy

Douglas, you are not my MP, but I am 100% behind you on this issue. Well done! I hope that other MPs have the guts to stand with you on this.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:47 by Hawkeye

Good luck with this. One of the great offices of our parliamentary democracy has been hi-jacked and dishonoured. I hope you succeed.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:50 by Bryan Dunleavy

sent to the Hon Brian Binley MP

Hi Brian

can I direct you to Douglas Carswell's blog ?

Please would you consider supporting him in his efforts ?

http://www.talkcarswell.com/show.aspx?id=698


Pete
*********
********

(reply to: pete********* )

Claiming Central Government will do it anyway is not a reason : it is a coward's way out
Not everything digital is better

Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behaviour. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple and stupid behaviour. - Dee Hock

Foreign Aid - Taxes paid by poor people in rich countries for the use of rich people in poor countries.


-----------------------------------


Martin has been a disgrace and brings Parliament into disrepute.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:51 by peter_dtm

Its time for Gorbals Mick to go. His performance to day was a disgrace. Good luck with the motion.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:56 by Ewen Bruce

Godspeed to you and your motion. Not before time, but essential nonetheless if parliamentary credibility is ever to be re-established.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:58 by John Mobbs

Is there a constitutional way of dismissing the Speaker? There are some unwritten procedures to be used in extremis. Anyone remember Ted Heath and the Official Solicitor who got a couple of trade unionists out of jail?

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:59 by Mike Spilligan

Mr Carswell,

I applaud and salute your action in drafting the motion to remove Speaker Martin. Thank you for breaking ranks and daring to represent the views of the honest people of this country. Mr Martin is an absolute disgrace to his party, to parliament, to his country and to this nation.

Posted on 11 May 2009 21:59 by Simon Parnall

The man is out of his depth, up to his neck in expense claims, and is the fox guarding the chickens. Should have gone a long time ago, and when he does, should not be elevated to the Lords. Not exactly officer material, and grossly overpromoted above his ability.

Posted on 11 May 2009 22:30 by Voice of the Voyager

The man is out of his depth, up to his neck in expense claims, and is the fox guarding the chickens. Should have gone a long time ago, and when he does, should not be elevated to the Lords. Not exactly officer material, and grossly overpromoted above his ability.

Posted on 11 May 2009 22:32 by Voice of the Voyager

I have placed a link to this page on the Guardians Comment is Free blog and I would urge everyone reading this to do the same with any other blog sites that they frequent.

It would be great to see this call for Gorbals Mick's removal 'go viral' in the blogosphere.

Posted on 11 May 2009 22:36 by Tiergarten

This man represents the head of the boil that is undermining cofidence in parliament. He should be removed forthwith.

Posted on 11 May 2009 22:40 by Michael Birbeck

Douglas,

I'm with you on this one. Mr Martin is an absolute disgrace and should stand down. But lets not forget the issue doesn't just stop with him.

David.

Posted on 11 May 2009 22:57 by David McGoldrick

Good luck with your proposal. How can people like Mr Martin and the rest be trusted to govern the country if they can't even be trusted to act ethically when claiming expenses?

Posted on 11 May 2009 23:03 by Mike

Immature and destructive Labour MPs forced an election for Speaker in 97 just to put two fingers up to 'the Establishement' - and we ended up with this gross and venal buffon instead of the estimable Edward Leigh. All precedent dictates that the Speaker comes from the Opposition and is usually an 'elder statesman' of the House, and he/she is by precedent unopposed.

The Speaker has been a disgrace and a disaster and is very much to blame for tthe current crisis as he has encouranged MPs to milk the system to the hilt, whilst opposing, threatening and sideling those who tried to address the problem.

The very best of luck to you

Posted on 11 May 2009 23:19 by Sam

I must admit I don't know if this is a Good Thing or not, because frankly the whole Westminster system seems to me to be so far removed from what anyone would design from scratch as a way of producing government- or governance- that commenting on individual parts is like trying to recommend improvements to the parts of a perpetual motion machine. Whatever you do, it'll always be broken.

Why- ignoring history, tradition, and precedent- do we have a Speaker? Specifically, why is somebody who is elected as an MP, and thus the representative of their constituents, placed in a job which requires them to be deliberately neutral? How can any member of a political party do this without breaking either their vow of neutrality or responsibility to their electors? What is the _actual point_ of this job?

If it is to keep the parliament in line well, who watches the watchman? Would a civil servant doing this job be more or less neutral? I dunno. The whole thing seems perfectly ridiculous to me. But then, the very idea that the executive are "elected" by a House who are supposed to check, balance and oppose them is farcical anyway.

It's all a complete pigs ear. If we're going to suffer Total Government anyway then let's have an elected premier, a separately elected house of representatives, and a vetoing house appointed by lottery from the general population. Or something.

Posted on 11 May 2009 23:26 by Ian B

This man represents everything that is wrong in British politics. Good luck in your efforts.

Posted on 11 May 2009 23:28 by Terry Jones

Can't understand how that man is still Speaker. The labour party has tried it's hardest to crush tradition and the British way of life. Many MP's have forfeited the right to the right to be called honourable. Why then are MP's so reluctant to give the Speaker his P45? He is an absolute disgrace and should be given his marching orders. It's about time the ostrich syndrome came to an end, I can't believe these MP's have failed to understand the disgust we are feeling.

Polly

Posted on 11 May 2009 23:28 by Polly

Mr Carswell. Many thanks for this. I can't vote for you at the next election but I can and will vote for the removal of Alistair Darling.

Posted on 11 May 2009 23:42 by David Farrer

A breath of sanity (and honesty) at last. Thank you. The 'present incumbent', in his pathetic efforts to "defend the indefensible", is no less than an insult to both the tradition and integrity of his office

Posted on 11 May 2009 23:44 by Martin Clark

An honest man in Parliament,thank god for that. Fully support your though you are not my MP. At last somone has the guts to articulate what the majority of the British people feel, Martin is out of his depth.
Get rid of him and bring HMRC and the Police to prosecute the others
for fraud or tax evasion.

Posted on 12 May 2009 00:24 by David Mathews

Well done Douglas - I've written to my MP (Andrew Smith) to urge him to support your motion.

Martin has got to go. This added to is disgraceful (in every sense) conduct over the raid on Damien Green's office, plus his outrageous expenses claims means his position is an embarrassment to Parliament. I hope his removal can at least start the process of reform (which, to be honest, can only be properly completed with an election, but as there's no chance of that, this'll have to do)!

Well done.

Posted on 12 May 2009 00:27 by Joe Kennard

Rub the Squealer's (sorry, Speaker's) snout deep into the trough.

Posted on 12 May 2009 00:34 by Henri le Roi

Fully supported. Change is required but it must not stop with the speaker of the house!

However I must point out, having just left the public sector there are plenty of government quangos which have similar problems with expenses!

Posted on 12 May 2009 00:41 by Paul Sharpe

Lets hope that fat bloated parasite can be removed from office.

Posted on 12 May 2009 00:51 by Paul Goddard

Good for you. I wish you all the luck in the world!

Posted on 12 May 2009 01:01 by Ann

Good Luck!
This Speaker is a disgrace. He is arrogant, conceited, partisan and totally out-of-touch with the public anger over the Expenses fiasco.
Thank goodness for the whistle-blower, or we would never have known the full scale of this.

Posted on 12 May 2009 01:07 by Don

It is imperative that you succeed.

Posted on 12 May 2009 01:20 by Praguetory

This chip-on-his-shoulder parvenu is a shocking disgrace, woefully inadequate at everything, even his basic job of impartially overseeing the Commons' business, let alone restoring confidence in our political processes. His first reaction is to lash out and blame others - have some dignity and self respect and step down, you ghastly man. Remember Betty Boothroyd? - she was a real speaker, this man is just a tiresome bully - I wish you luck in your motion, Douglas, to oust this oaf.

Posted on 12 May 2009 02:30 by Johnny

How can we trust any politician again? We vote for what we get and we got a bunch of self-serving parasites. Voting shows we approve of these guys. By totally boycotting forthcoming elections and we might see a change or a police state - we already have a police state...

Posted on 12 May 2009 03:20 by penfold

If only more Conservative MPs were like you.

Posted on 12 May 2009 04:36 by John W

At last an MP with backbone. Get rid of the buffoon Martin asap. His failure and utter incompetence have created a fiasco for the house of commons - and his articulation leave much to be desired by the 'Speaker' of the house.

Posted on 12 May 2009 04:37 by EWT

Yes, Martin Must Go! This will be the first step out of the mire, so keep up the momentum. And the Deputy Speaker doesn't look so squeaky clean, so he should not be allowed to replace Martin - he too should go.

Posted on 12 May 2009 06:14 by Patricia

As Churchill said, "Keep buggering on".

More power to your elbow, sir. I've written to Quentin Davies but I don't hold out any hope.

Posted on 12 May 2009 06:43 by Catosays

Well done.

He showed his true colours yesterday in the disgaraceful way he spoke to Kate Hoey and Norman Baker.

Posted on 12 May 2009 06:52 by MJSM

He should protect the reputation of the house and the institution. He must go.

Posted on 12 May 2009 07:11 by Peter Botting

Good luck with your attempt to remove Mr Martin. He has shown he doesn't have the qualities necessary to be the Speaker.

Posted on 12 May 2009 07:12 by James Fahy

Please keep going on this move to remove the Speaker. The whole country will be behind you (apart from those in Parliament who want to sweep the whole sorry mess under the carpet).

Posted on 12 May 2009 07:25 by motherhen

I heard you on Radio 4 this morning making your point clearly heard. Well Done Sir. Hope the old p!||0(k heard it...

Posted on 12 May 2009 07:37 by Ian T

Well done !! Never thought I'd say this, after 35 years of voting I shall vote Conservative for the first time at the next election.

Posted on 12 May 2009 07:39 by Chris Dowling

Speaker Martin has long seen his job as the protection of the Labour party in parliament, and the promotion of their , and his, personal enrichment. This has been clear for many years. MPs who do not support your motion of no confidence in Mr Martin would demonstrate that they too want the sleaze and the partiality to continue.

Posted on 12 May 2009 07:48 by DPR

Gorbals has 'lost it', and it's debatable if he ever 'had it' in the first place.

Yesterday was a new low for the seat of the speaker.

Posted on 12 May 2009 07:48 by Tuco

I have just returned from a month's holiday in New Zealand. Watched their Parliament (unicameral, and seems to work well without hundreds of Lords on the take) on TV. Their Speaker has a brain and a sense of moral authority. Martin has neither. Can't wait to see how much this 'working class man from Glasgow' leaves when he eventually meets his Maker and Judge!

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:01 by Dr David McNally

you are a very small glimmer of light in a very dark tunnel - we are behind you - may your courage win through.

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:07 by wendy

Mr Carswell, thank you! At last someone is prepared to stand up and voice the disgust - and despair - felt by the British people. The Speaker is a disgrace to his office and to our democracy and must go.

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:26 by Michael Booth

The wrong person doing the wrong job. He is an embarassment to the House. Good luck with your campaign.

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:28 by Brian Hedges

Let's hope this gathers momentum. The sooner Martin is removed the better, quickly followed by the rest of his mates at the trough.

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:30 by Tony

Please keep going on this move to remove the Speaker.

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:41 by Annette Thomas

This man has had only one job, use his communist credentials to bring his scottish votes to the table to get what HE wants by supporting encumbent prime ministers to keep them in power! The sooner that a conservative speaker (as tradition dictates, broken by Blair) the better for all concerned simply because at least there will be a chance that the person elected will do the right thing!

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:44 by Gareth Cook

You have the support of many disgusted citizens behind you Yes, Martin Must Go!

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:49 by Joe Dent

Good luck ! Stick to your guns. I think you will find that there is a lot of support for you.

Posted on 12 May 2009 08:53 by Hamish

It is not just Gorbals Mick who has run out of credibility - it's every last one of them.

This corrupt Parliament must be disolved forthwith. Let the trough-swillers face the voters at the hustings.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:00 by Derek

WELL DONE! The only reason this man wants the speaker out is because he's the one who has helped to put all of you trough feeding pigs in the spotlight!

As much as I am a tory supporter, you make me sick, while other people of this country struggle to make ends meet, you feel it perfectly ok spend public money needlessly with concern for your people, especially when everybody else is being told or being forced to tighten there belts, hypocrit!

And I bet half the comments on here have been put on by your staff, friends and cronies!

Ever thought of paying the money back? thought not!

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:00 by dave jones

In the wake of the Telegraph's revelations I'd prefer to see Parliament dissolved and a general election called, but in the meantime, Martin's removal as Speaker is a first step - high time he had his snout dragged away from the trough! Good luck with your campaign.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:01 by Jeff Munn-Giddings

Just want to add my support for your motion. I hope the 'honourable' members will support you also.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:09 by rog

I am not one of your constituents, but I want you to know I support you every inch of the way in your efforts to get rid of this appalling Speaker Martin who himself has regularly brought the House into disrepute! Good luck!

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:10 by Heather van Wijk

Not since the time of the 'Rotten Boroughs' has Parliment been in such disrepute. That said, it's nice to know that atleast 1 (maybe 3) Members of Parliment are able to live up to their 'Honourable' title. Keep the momentum going Douglas! The people are watching (in hope).

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:10 by Mark

We should not be taking pride in this - but it increasingly looks like a necessary action.

I wish you success but feel that it is a sad day for Parliamentary democracy as well.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:13 by RB

One down, 650-odd to go. You can stay though.... well done.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:15 by Andrew Clark

The man is clearly out of his depth in his job as speaker and is quite unsuitable for the job. He brings disrepute to the House and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:21 by George

Start a petition and add it to the list of voters, many ex labour, who also want Gordon Brown to go so the nation can be restored with a fresh confidence.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:23 by Henry

Good luck

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:24 by Owen

Best of luck.
Michael Martin has not only presided over the current corrupt system, he's one of the leading 'troughers' of the expense system!

How can a man who fought tooth and nail (with hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers money) to cover up MPs expense claims, a man who has some of the most expensive and dubious claims against his name, be expected to lead the clean up of the system?

He must go.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:28 by JC

Good move, though I feel it doesn't go far enough. What is needed is the immediate dissolution of Parliament.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:38 by Jane

Go Douglas!

As a token of my appreciation, please help yourself to anything that takes your fancy at http://www.buy1or2.com.

(I know you won't.)

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:40 by Ian Evans

Good, his actions yesterday were a particular disgrace even by his low standards. If the commons is going to be cleaned up you might as well do it from the top.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:44 by Ron

About time too! Michael Martin is a complete disgrace and makes a mockery of the stately office of speaker. His oafish lack of dignity and self-serving personal greed underlies his ridiculous reaction to the disclosure of the pigtrough which parliamentary allowances and expenses have become. This man should be removed from office as soon as possible and his public disgrace should be formalised.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:47 by Richard Sturdy

As a former Tory finance secretary, can you expand you condemnation to Tory Councillors who bend the facts to suit their own agenda? In Blackpool there is a carte blache claim for the maximum allowance for 'service to the community'.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:50 by Steve Flanigan

We certainly should take what little pride may be left in removing this Speaker. He has proved his party bias time after time, he has proved his contempt of the electors time after time, he has proved his abuse of the expenses system time after time.

Removal of the Speaker will show the electors that change is possible.

It may be a very small point to MPs but could we have a speaker that will insist that Ministers and Prime Ministers answer questions put to them and do not allow the allotted time for questioning them to be wasted by them giving party political speeches and prevent them saying what they think other parties might do or not do. Questions to ministers and prime ministers are for them to tell the House what they have done or not done or what they will do or not do. Without this control any biased puppet could do the job.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:52 by Matt Preston

Well this is great at last someone in Westminster is prepared to do the right thing. However I must say that if the newspapers get their act together and lead a public revolt we can bring this rotten Parliment down and have an election. That is my preferred option as I think giving MPs the option to dissolve Parlimant themselves or for that disgraceful speaker to resign is not sufficient punishment. What is required is the public huniliation of every MP with very few exceptions.

Posted on 12 May 2009 09:58 by Hugh Fletcher

The best thing done in this Parliament the buffon should never have been made speaker in the first place it was given him out of turn. It may also be an appropriate time to remind people that it was B-liar/Brown who refused to increase MP's pay and as a sop to their own MP's boosted the sum allowed to be claimed as expenses, "thus giving a pay rise by the back door".

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:03 by Nice one Douglas

Well done Douglas! More power to your elbow. At least one MP has the courage to stand up for propriety!

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:03 by Andrew Nicholas

We, the public, should be able to now insist on dissolution of Parliament immediately and call a general election for early July. All M.P.s with nothing to hide can stand for re-election safe in the knowledge that they stand a good chance of succeeding, the rest can either do the honourable thing and slink away or suffer their much deserved public humiliation at the ballot box. Parliament should then have a much simpler and more transparent "expenses" system, used for it`s original purpose: that of recompensing members for expenses incurred WHOLLY in connection with carrying out their duties in the house. Second home allowance should only be for a modest property near parliament and there should be a maximum sum. If that isn`t good enough, there are several Travelodge hotels with £19, £29 and £50 per night room offers, which I`m sure the commons fees office could "do a deal on". The second home allowance should also not be allowed to be switched to the main home.

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:18 by Bob Byles

Not only should Michael Martin be sacked but parliament should be dissolved immediately so that the country can then give its considered verdict on the current unelected government and all mp's

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:20 by keith ridgewell

I would be more impressed if the party dissolved itself in protest at the betrayal of the taxpayer and hard working party members who have toiled for those that are not worthy to polish their boots!

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:22 by Taxfodder

The first move to begin to tackle this crisis of state legitimacy in the eyes of its people is to remove the umpire. Good move...see it through...our system of government needs this overhaul.

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:25 by Mark Price

Well done on having the courage to speak up. This joke of a man should never have been given the job and must go now !

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:43 by Clive Beeston

Well done. The Speaker's attempts to suppress information have been appalling.

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:47 by Glyn Saunders

Will the Telegraph's coup de grâce on this matter be the publication of the Speaker's expenses?

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:51 by Rinse & Repeat

Good luck with your attempt. The time is right for a complete change of culture. To try and defend what appears, to any resonable, ordinary worker, to be almost wholesale fraud is beyond belief! The man has completely lost his integrity, and to the general public is a just a joke puppet. I would also add that the apologies from the leaders came only AFTER they were found out. To now consider trying to hide it again by putting it to a private company and thus beyond the FOI act seems yet another act of utter contempt for the people whose money they are using.

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:52 by John Brooks

The old story: fight the bosses to get the bosses' privileges for yourself. Gorbals 'I've got the Speaker's job at last' Mick, told the working class to kiss his arse years ago. He is now the great defender of the indefensible.

Posted on 12 May 2009 10:58 by Mike Saunders

Finally. Get rid of the pigs. Which page of Animal Farm are we on now?

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:05 by Barry McGlinchey

I have emailed my MP, Richard Shepherd (Aldridge-Brownhills) asking him to support your motion. I have every confidence that he is just the sort of person who would do so.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:06 by John Shakespeare

The appointment of this Speaker demeaned the office and his conduct has continued in the same vein. He makes Fred Goodwin appear a man of immense ability. "You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing....in the name of God go!"

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:06 by Martyn Frost

Finally someone who admits how poor this speaker is and has been. He is an embarrassment to the entire political structure in the UK and has been since he took over. He can't even read his own script. Typical champagne 'socialist' of the Bliar, do as I say, not as I do brigade.

Please pursue this, then hopefully we can start the no confidence in the PM vote.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:21 by Tom

Well done Mr Carswell,at last we have an independently minded member of the house confronting this odious Speaker, Martin. You are a welcome change from the usual lobby fodder and I wish you well.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:30 by Miguel

Lets hope sufficient MPs are prepared to 'stand up and be counted' Good Luck

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:31 by Bryan Bradley

Congratulations for daring to do what needs to be done. To spend years seeking to hide what taxpayers money is spent on; to spend vast sums taking this to the High Court; and now attacking MPs in Parliament - surely the Speaker has brought the House into disrepute. Is that not against the rules as they stand now? Our democracy is deserving of somebody who understands it and seeks to protect it. Not somebody who comes across as an old fashioned trade unionist defending the indefensible. Good luck!

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:34 by Simon Mountford

M Martin should never have been appointed. A conservative ought to have been appointed to follow the excellent Betty Boothroyd on the precedent that the appointment is made alternately. Labour unsurprisingly gerrymandered the procedure to get one of their own in place so that he would give them an easy run, which he did. He was never up to the job and never will be. He is nothing other than a timeserving political hack whose own expenses do not bear close scrutiny. To M Martin, I say "in the name of god, go".

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:44 by burns

Oh dear what a lot of sheep you are.
Again I doubt this will make it onto the website, as per my previous post, because Mr Carswell is only interested in the right kind of comments appearing, which accounts for him saying only positive posts have been made.
Of course they have, the negative ones or ones asking questions all get deleted.
Funny how one I made this morning didnt appear isnt it, one asking questions about Mr Carswells own expenses and questioning why his total is more than David Camerons and why some individual claims are 6 times more than Mr Camerons.
Easy to look idignant Mr Carswell, another thing to prove you are not two faced and merely trying to hold on to your seat. Democracy involves dealing with good and bad, as my previous post was not published I take it you can only deal with good and stuff the bad to the back. As a floating voter, cant say im impressed at all.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:46 by Chris Stanley

Well, better late than never Douglas.

I have been saying that Gorbals Mick should quite since he got the job! It was clear at the outset that Mick Martin was a wholly inappropriate Speaker.

Speakers of the past have been household names commanding not only the respect of the HoC but also of the public.

Mick Martin is an intellectual half-wit who commands nothing but contempt

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:50 by Tony H

I hope you gather enough votes, because I doubt he would resign. He states he's concerned about MP's personal details....how concerned was he about the countless times our have been mislaid? As for the MP's allowances, I'm sure the Armed Forces would also love to get those sorts of perks, because contary to popular perception they have to pay for their family accomadation, even when they are fighting abroad and most earn a lot less than an MP's salary.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:50 by tina

Not before time, the man is a bully and a fool.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:51 by Susan Saunders

At last some sanity. Well done Douglas, Get rid of this man who has in himself brought the House of Commons into disripute. Can't we do the same with the present Goverment. GET THEM OUT.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:51 by Neville Westlake

I will be surprised if you win this, but Martin is a disgrace to his office and should have been removed years ago. Good luck!

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:53 by Will Hale

I'm not a Tory or Tory supported..but I agree with you 110% on this one. This self serving expense sneak who is completely out of touch the normal everyday Brit has to go and soon... as well as our "unelected" Prime Minister who does nothing but mess things up.

Joanna Lumley for PM please !

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:54 by peter theakston

Congratulations for having the courage to put your head above the parapet, and saying what so many are thinking. Martin is an inarticualte embarrassment, nothing more than a McLabour stooge.

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:55 by Nick

You have my support. The Speaker seems to be virtually isolated apart from a few dozen dodgy MPs and Stephen Fry.
http://waddell.wordpress.com

Posted on 12 May 2009 11:58 by David Waddell

At last someone is doing something about this mess.

Good luck!

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:06 by Carrie

Good luck - Speaker Martin has become an embarrassment to watch - he has shown he is biased in the past and brings the position of Speaker into disrepute.

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:09 by Angie Screen

Martin has coursed disrepute to the House and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:14 by John Bullions

Good start, but please do not forget that we want every Penny of our money back and where an MP has made a capital gain by using tax-payers money, then this belongs to us too. We do not want insincere apologise and promises to do better in the future, we want what is rightfully ours ASAP.

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:15 by Roger

Congratulations Sir on having the strength to challenge this Speaker. It is not enough for him to be "very grumpy today" and try to cover what is clear to everyone as open abuse of a very generous system. Good luck with the motion.

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:18 by Mike May

Well done you Sir! You certainly have my support for this long overdue action. Martin was 'elected' in blatant disregard by his cronies for House Custom of alternating the political persuasion of the Speaker. And the folly of that is now plain for all to see. Good Luck Sir!

Can we also have a 'Motion of No Confidence' in this Government as well?

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:44 by Chris Hayward

Regardless of the revelations about the monstrous abuses MPs have perpertrated on the public purse, the present Speaker of the House is inarticulate, weak, and blisteringly incomptent. He is a Labour Party hack who is far from being completely unbiased in his judgements. Like the rest of his crew, in government and without, he should be turfed out with ignominy and deprived of any compensation.

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:47 by Mike Fox

Good luck. About time someone did something sensible. Martins departure which is long overdue.

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:48 by S purewal

Thank god atleast someone has grabbed the initiative
Whether you succeed or not, god bless and all courage to you Douglas

regards
Rajesh

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:51 by Rajesh reddy

A shameful, bullying performance from the Speaker yesterday. If he has any self-pride he would resign immediately

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:54 by Martin Pibworth

I have never ever signed a petition or written to my MP or cared or complained in my life before.

But...

It is time Mr Martin was sacked and not given the dignity of resignation. His behaviour stinks!

Posted on 12 May 2009 12:56 by Richard Shilling

Well done. Thank God someone has the integrety,pride and BALLS to take the correct and honourable action to end this most and disgraceful period in

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:02 by MikeJ M

Thank goodness for some MP to justify the title of Honourable. This once proud country is being relegated to 3rd world status by this government.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:03 by Robert Smith

Thank you, the speaker has let everyone down just a shame that no-one thought to act sooner.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:03 by Karen

absolutely first class Mr Carswell. Lets start cleaning up parliment. It is about time this lot went. Other MP's with a semblance of integrity must support you or they must be deemed to have not got any.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:09 by m cattlin

Well done and Good luck.
How about a motion requiring repayment of all expenses paid which do not meet the criteria of being strictly necessary for discharge of Parliamentary duties.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:15 by Colin Jex

Standards in Public Life.... A whole lot of cleaning needs to be done.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:16 by si

Yes, I am glad that this vote of no confidence is being prepared for the Speaker He is not the man to chair the Commons committee on reform of the expenses rules. Can the vote be extended to call for the resignation of the senior mangement team of the fees office?

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:16 by maire lowe

All very good but this is long past time, the buffoon should have been kicked out years back.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:16 by Brian Gallagher

remove this disgraceful selfish incompetent pig from the speaker chair now!!!

NOW

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:17 by rob

I recall that Winston Churchill said that if a leader makes small errors they must be covered up, when he 'stumbles' he must be supported, BUT when he is no good, then he must be pole-axed. Carpe diem!

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:22 by Paul Channon

He is a disgrace to democracy and must go now!

Stop protecting your own feathered nest and those of your 'Labour Club' chums Mr Speaker!

Dont let him resign, sack him now!

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:23 by Steve

Well done, Mr Carswell, I commend your efforts and sincerely hope you are successful.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:29 by Mary Powell

Good luck, I wish you well with this first step towards cleaning up the Commnons.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:29 by Liz Haas

It's not the Speaker who is to blame - but GREED. There has to be an immediate dissolution of Parliament and a General Election - Hopefully every greedy, filthy fiddler will be booted out in disgrace. Those MPs who ARE voted in should then be absolutely honest and genuine - Mr Carswell included.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:42 by Edward Gaskell

An excellent plan. Speaker Martin - a prime offender in the offensive misuse of taxpayer funds, and displayer of gross misjudgement as to common decency - really must be removed without honour.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:48 by Jim Anthony

Thanks and the best of luck on behalf of every taxpayer.

Posted on 12 May 2009 13:57 by Steve Dillon

Well done. It's about time this loathesome character was shown the door.

Posted on 12 May 2009 14:00 by Chris Godfrey

Excellent Cassius piece supporting Douglas' motion:

http://cassiuswrites.blogspot.com/2009/05/carswell-motion-is-first-step-towards.html

Posted on 12 May 2009 14:38 by disgruntled voter

I wish you luck with this.

Its gone beyond parties and political alliegances, there are a small proportion of MPs (and I beleive it is a small proportion) that do not have any place in Westminster, because they, quite clearly, cannot be trusted at all, and have no self restraint.

The speaker is the embodiment of this, and with his high cost legal campaign to stop this information coming out in the first place, and the attrocious behaviour yesterday, comes to represent everything that the public see as wrong with the current parliament.

A decent man would realise this and tender resignation , that he hasnt means your motion is not only needed , but essential if the public at large are to have any faith in the future democracy of this country.

Posted on 12 May 2009 14:49 by M Bishop

Thank you and good luck!

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:05 by Claire

Speaker Martin was an embarrasment even before the current expenses saga. He seems slow, ill tempered and is generally not a good advert for our country or democracy. First time I've ever written to something like this.

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:08 by Cheryl Garnham

Well done. The first step to a more transparent democracy for us all to live in.

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:13 by Jason Bush

thankyou for starting the process, good luck

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:15 by T Toone

Good luck; hope it succeeds, but not confident that you will get much support from colleagues in any party

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:23 by David Mudd

Doomed to failure. You are rearranging the deck chairs on a Titanic floating on a cesspit of Cash for peerages, Lords being paid for questions in the upper chamber and worst of all - Taxpayer support for Bankers extravagances.

Its not a cleaning of the Augean Stables in Westminster, it is a root and branch examination of what is termed democracy.

If this is not done, I expect a little more than a drop in poll ratings. Enoch Powell's vision may well come true.

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:23 by Diogenes

Congratulations Douglas. You are doing the right thing. Here is a copy of part of my email sent to our Guildford MP:

"You must be very aware of how angry the country is feeling at the moment.

Having been let down by our bankers it is hard not to feel very uneasy about some of the excessive tax free expenses claimed by some MPs of all parties.

What angers me most of all however is the behaviour and perceived corruption of the Speaker of the House Michael Martin.

The press have suggested that Douglas Carswell's motion of no confidence in the Speaker will not receive widespread support from other MPs as indeed I feel it should.

I do hope therefore that you and your colleagues will give the Motion all the support it deserves.

Until this dreadful man is removed from office there is no hope whatsoever of the country having their faith in our parliamentary democracy restored."

Simon May

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:24 by simon may

Well done. Long overdue. Not all MPs are stealing from us - hopefully the decent ones will support you.

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:27 by Brian Foreman

well done - your comments on Today were also well put - i think you may have struck a public nerve & hope you can actually invoke some change - isn't that what being an MP is meant to be about?

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:33 by charles palmer

Thank you.

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:44 by Liz

Could we not introduce a new parliamentary tradition where the reluctant Speaker is dragged out of his chair

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:45 by MikeyP

A small step in the right direction. Good luck with the motion

Posted on 12 May 2009 15:49 by King Karlos

The current speaker cannot be allowed to continue if parliament is to be seen to have cleaned up its act. He has to go. My wish is that he considers his position and does the decent thing. Sadly, I suspect he will try to hang on and will need to be removed against his will.

Posted on 12 May 2009 17:21 by Gooey Blob

Go for the jugular,Douglas.
Also it has not been brought out again,that last year it was announced that the receipts of both Speaker Martin and T Blair had been shredded.Strange that,with what has been happening in the last few days.

Posted on 12 May 2009 18:28 by Nigel

How on earth he has survived in this job amazes me. No longer we trust, thanks to your brave initiative. Thanks a lot.

Posted on 12 May 2009 18:30 by Tom Norton

If in a democracy, where, as clearly demonstrated, a VAST majority of people welcome this move, our parliament is unable to do what is clearly the right thing, then I see no justification for any MP making any statement about "restoring faith". The public are speaking in vast volumes about this corrupt and useless disgrace, thanks for doing what should be done an AWFUL LOT MORE!!!!

Posted on 12 May 2009 19:06 by More importantly

Bravo, Mr Carswell! Chances are the old commies will get behind him and defeat you, but this badly needs to be done.

I've just sent the following lengthy and pompous email to the House authorities - I was trying to be kind by omitting ref to his own troughing (and Mrs Gorbals's)- but it might amuse you.

Dear Mr Speaker

I am sure it will distress you as much as it does the electorate at large to see the crucible of our democracy, the Commons, brought low by the behaviour of some of its members, many in high positions.

At a time like this, the highest levels of vision and leadership are called for by those who occupy the great offices of state. It has become clear that no minister is equal to that challenge.

The responsibility then must fall upon the person who occupies the Speaker's chair. Sadly your conduct in relation to this business has made it obvious that you are not the man to lead the House into a position where it is respected by the electorate. You were a key participant in the attempt to conceal information that, thanks to some anonymous and noble informer, we now see to be vitally important. (I do not care whether or not the informer was paid, nor about their breach of trust towards their employer: that is as nothing compared to the duty they owed to the public at large, and which they discharged.) You then focused on discovering this person's identity - a matter of no concern when set alongside the information that elected representatives and ministers have been systematically looting the public purse for years, moreover with the connivance of the Commons authorities.

The final straw was your performance in the Chamber when you seemed to blame Ms Hoey, Mr Baker and the media for the Commons' plight. Sir, the responsibility lies squarely with the miscreants and with those who colluded with them in concealment, not with those who brought it to light nor with those who comment on it.

You will know that many distinguished persons have graced the great office which you hold. Those best remembered upheld the finest traditions of the House and of British public life. It saddens me to say that you have failed this test and to express the hope that you will do the honourable thing and stand down forthwith. To do anything else will place you in disreputable company - that of ministers and members who cling to office to reap its benefits despite the scorn and detestation in which they are held.

Posted on 12 May 2009 19:13 by Gordon S Tinks

The Speaker ought to be 'all things to all members'. This man is an unprincipled 'oik'. Furthermore he is bereft of any intellect. His maniacal outburst yesterday, bizarre even, would have disgraced a 'soap opera' based on the House of Commons. It would however, have graced a session of the 'Stalinist' era 'government' when dissent was being shown. He is clearly a 'Blair' appointment to ameliorate the 'Left'.
PS: I'm apolitical - I'm Army!

Posted on 12 May 2009 19:33 by David Llewelyn Davies

Good luck in your attempt to remove this incompetent stooge. The sooner he and his sleazy party colleagues are down the road the better for Scotland and England.

Saor Alba a'nis

Posted on 12 May 2009 19:51 by Chico

This guy embodies everything that is venal and self serving.However he can rely on the support of a large number of MPS.Tells you all you need to know about the House of Commons.

Posted on 12 May 2009 23:21 by PARAGON

Wish you success. This man must be the worst Speaker ever. Good Scots must be appalled by him.

Posted on 13 May 2009 09:30 by Edward Huxley

Congratulations on your courage.
The speaker is a disgrace

Posted on 13 May 2009 12:03 by john

Michael Martin encouraged the House to be dishonest by his gross lack of integrity regarding his and MPs' claims; he used public money to fight a legal battle to keep claims secret; he is biased about calling non-Labour MPs to speak; he belittles speakers when he has a 'headache'; he is a bully in the true meaning of the word.
Get him out and and the Country will owe you 'big time'.

Posted on 13 May 2009 12:35 by Tony Pugh

You are NOT dealing with the major political movements of our time. Please look at my blog at http//;plonquer.blogspot.com to see where you are getting off track.

THIS POSTING SPONSORED BY THE KEEP CHINA BRITISH COUNCIL.

Posted on 13 May 2009 14:22 by Major Plonquer

So glad somebody has the courage to do this at last. Is there anything we can do to help?

Posted on 13 May 2009 15:00 by Cathy Edwards

The office of Speaker requires dignity and integrity that Mr Martion simply does not possess. Compare and contrast with George Thomas, Bernard Weatherill, Betty Boothroyd. Condemned by hois own behavious on too many occasions, Mr Martin has done the office a great disservice.

Posted on 13 May 2009 15:07 by Geoff Smith

This Speaker has brought the role into disrepute, I hope the whole house will follow your example and remove him from his office. We need a speaker who is respected both in the commons and by the country as a whole.

Posted on 13 May 2009 17:45 by Pat Harwood

Well Done, at last someone steps forward! I for one am tired of his self serving attitude, we haven't moved on Mr. Martin even if you hope we have.You are a disgrace you grubby little man!

Posted on 13 May 2009 19:52 by G Ashford

Good luck with your motion, what about another one of no confidence in the left wing scum in the press especially the BBC who in my opinion go easy on their friends in Zanulabour but relished having a go at the Conservatives on Monday.

Posted on 13 May 2009 20:44 by Gary

Good luck,and remember,the only fish in a river that swim with the tide all the time,are dead ones!

Posted on 14 May 2009 11:55 by alienevolved

Simple - Michael Martin must step down.

Posted on 14 May 2009 17:49 by Ian

Sir,

You should have a small vote box at your Blog or elswhere to see how many of the British Public totally support what you are doing. There will be tens of thousands of us want this Speaker OUT and NOW!!! HE IS SPITTING ON THE SHOES OF OUR DEMOCRATIC VALUES EARNED BY THE BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS OF OUR ANCESTORS

Posted on 14 May 2009 20:34 by Johnny Zero

Good Luck with the motion. It is heartening to see a 'head above the parapet'.

Posted on 15 May 2009 00:56 by Lynda Bracegirdle

i recomend that all people who belive in justice and democracy should get together and create a manifesto of the peoples wishes this document should be made water tight in law then we should find one person per constituency to sign up to the document and stand as our mp we can break the party system clean up politics and get our get our country back we can get honest inteligent people in all fields to help the public write the document when elected we can use good honest cival servants and experts in allfields to help run the country.they are good honest people out there let us all work together lib lab tory lets get things put right put this country back where we should be no longer being run by WE KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU , lot cxurb the bankers and all politicions at local national and european they just do not care about country or us just themselves.a side note hereall we hear is is it was within the rules did not the nazis say that it was wrong then its wrong now,i hope this gets by censorship as i have not managed to get it by the mail or bbc seems they only part of the system changed if i get no support i bow to them and i am wrong about what i think the british people stand for i am no lefty or utter right wing nut just a member of the public i put this forward as i have seen many times if politicions manage to ride the storm they will just carry on as before tell you one thing do another for me enough is enough and i say do away with the present parties lets have country first not party no more 3 line whips to force through laws if mps were there to represent us instead of parties why are they called rebels if they agree with us and not party just examine the system they will not call a vote of no confidence and change goverment we want an election but they do not so just who are they representing us or party i leave you to decide for me its clear party first and always before country and the public

Posted on 15 May 2009 12:52 by dennis

At last someone has the common sense to table a motion to get rid of the man. He has presided over this scandle and as a start should GO, other reforms should then follow

Posted on 15 May 2009 13:00 by philip

Please please please will more MP's back the forced resignation of the Speaker of The House.

He's such an odious, belligerent, bankrupt bully.

Above all he's a disgrace our country and democracy.

Out out out!!!!

Posted on 15 May 2009 18:45 by Rif Raf

We are watching your progress with great interest and wish you luck. Gerald & Hannah Crane, friends of your parents in Uganda in early 1970's.

Posted on 15 May 2009 18:55 by Gerald Crane

You have captured the mood of the nation. Who knows what the outcome may allow. Perhaps a restoration of sovereignity and self determination

Posted on 16 May 2009 08:51 by Colin Wilkinson

Michael Martin must go now.His bullying tactics reflect that of the Prime Minister and in a democracy there is no room for either of them.

Posted on 17 May 2009 10:08 by Gary

If the Speaker had any shred of moral value within him he would have done the decent thing and walked of his own volition.Not only has he brought Parliament into disrepute but in the eyes of the world he has dragged Britain into the political gutter.It is now time that he is flushed away.

Posted on 17 May 2009 15:01 by T Goddard

We used to be able to say, with some justification, that our system of government was a great example to the rest of the world. It is nothing short of a national disaster that this is no longer true now.

Posted on 17 May 2009 19:24 by Robert

Gorbals is contemptible. GO NOW!

Posted on 18 May 2009 14:02 by Helen

Excellent, now, will YOU be revealing all of your OWN expense claims? What a great example to lead by!

Posted on 18 May 2009 16:21 by M Brown

The speaker's performance in the House of Commons this afternoon was nothing short of disgraceful. He is still in denial and more interested in keeping his job (salary and expenses)than reforming the system and restoring the good name of Parliament. It will take years for the publice to have renewed confidence in Parliament.We are becoming the laughing stock of the world.

Posted on 18 May 2009 16:43 by G Slater

the speaker is nominated by the mps so its a bit late to start criticising him now you put him there why try and make a scapegoat of one man mr carswell , one thing this country has never had is a political system to be proud of remember dame shirley porter that upholder of all good tory values

Posted on 18 May 2009 17:36 by J Clark

i would only agree with the with the speaker going if all those who made the deceitful claims followed within days every person across all parties this would then clean up for a fresh start

Posted on 18 May 2009 20:19 by john richardson

Good on you Douglas. Now all you need to do is join the Lib Dems and you have my vote

Posted on 18 May 2009 23:33 by Fred

The Best of British Luck to you. What really bugs me is that 'Gorbals Mick' spent our money, against the advice of his lawyers, to appeal a judgement and now pretends that it was to 'protect his colleagues'. As they say - you couldn't make it up!

Posted on 19 May 2009 09:34 by Alan Ashurst

Self centred Tory and you appear to have got your way - rot in hell sir

Posted on 19 May 2009 11:08 by jim robertson

A quick note from a British expat who advises Australian Govt. on best practice - this might provide you with ideas/ammunition for your campaign. My suggestion is in direct response to your comment re: MP expenses yesterday on Sky News that "we don't need any more quangos!. Quite right. The tax payer would only have to pay them high salaries plus bonus - and no doubt, expenses.

In Australia, we find that 'community participation' encourages best practice. My recommendation for you is to somehow ensure that members of the public (community) are on the expenses panel. This is the surest way to keep MPs' feet on the ground. A back up would be to make all expense claims available on line.

In Australia, the Federal Govt, is extremely strict on 'perks' or benefits derived from office. Anyone caught, for example, obtaining an airline upgrade based on points earned by business travel gets the sack. There is no tolerance on these matters - and in the current climate, I would support you pushing for the same standards.

Posted on 21 May 2009 12:38 by Seraphina

Mr Carswell,
It seems to be clear that there is much resentment at the fact that MPs who have been found to have 'issues' with their expenses submissions can stay on until the next election, presumably to get their pension when they leave office. They must not be allowed to gain from acting immorally. I would strongly suggest that your next 'campaign' would be to insist on an election this year 2009. You will be pushing an open door with Mr Cameron and more importantly the general public. Once again, carpe diem!!

Posted on 29 May 2009 11:30 by Paul Channon

Well done Douglas. Now ensure Ann Widdecombe gets the job of speaker so at least when she retires she will have paved the way for a Conservative government.
Posted 15 June 2009 15.24 by Dick Tracey.

Posted on 15 June 2009 15:24 by Dick Tracey

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