Commons Speaker to stand down

Michael Martin is to announce his intention to stand down as Speaker of the British parliament as the controversy over MPs’ expenses claimed its biggest victim.

Whitehall sources confirmed Mr Martin would make a statement to the house at 2.30pm setting out his intentions.

The move comes at the end of a tumultuous few days which has seen growing criticism of Mr Martin’s handling of the expenses row.

One Labour MP who directly called on him to go – David Winnick – welcomed the move.

“That is the right and honourable course to take. His resignation will be the first step in the House recovering its reputation,” he said.