Departure of The Speaker - MP Russell comments

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th May 2009

Colchester MP Bob Russell said that the decision of The Speaker to step down should not be regarded as the end of the need to tackle the failings of the workings of the House of Commons - but rather a springboard for urgently needed reforms.

"Mr Speaker should not be made a scapegoat for what has happened."

Liberal Democrat Mr Russell, who is a member of the Chairmen's Panel and chairs committee meetings, said that the decision of The Speaker, the Rt Hon Michael Martin MP, was inevitable - but, nevertheless, was a sad occasion for him as an individual.

"Mr Speaker has always been courteous and helpful in his dealings with me. Privately, and also at functions held in Speaker's House, he has been extremely warm and kind.

"However, it has to be acknowledged that he has not been managing things so well lately, and that it was time he stepped down well in advance of the next General Election so that a successor can be chosen to lead us up to then and into the new Parliament."