Michael Martin has to Go

The Speaker of the House of Commons is a key figure in British democracy. Even if he (or she) comes from a particular political party, rather like a Mayor in a borough, (s)he should remain totally impartial and uphold both the traditions and the values of the institution. Betty Boothroyd did the job with panache. Alas, Speaker Martin has been an unmitigated disaster. Class has nothing to do with it; the plain truth is that he is uncouth and shows poor judgement. His attack this week on MPs who criticised the disgraceful allowances culture that has prevailed for years in the Mother of Parliaments is inexcusable and it is the final straw. He has demeaned the office. He has to go.