Stephen Williams MP Key in Speaker's Resignation
May 19, 2009 2:44 PM
Stephen Williams MP for Bristol West has successfully put pressure on House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin to resign. This is in light of the need for reform of MPs expense allowances.
Stephen Williams MP, said "I have thought for quite some time Mr Martin should go. The House of Commons needs a massive reform of its procedures. We need a reformer and he is one of the old guard. I gave evidence about allowances to the members' estimates committee a couple of times. I thought as someone who came in in 2005, and as a tax and business consultant for 17 years, I might have something to offer. I felt I was talking to people who didn't live in the real world. The whole process needs reforming, the way we debate things is so antiquated, the way we refer to each other in overly reverential ways. I have come to the view I am part of a private members' club and that is not what I want. I didn't go to private school, I have never been part of a members' club, but there are a lot of people here, particularly on the Tory benches, who are part of that."
Stephen Williams MP has spent just £800 buying basics - television, Tesco Value cutlery set, radio and pots and pans - for his rented London flat since being elected to represent Bristol West in 2005.
Stephen Williams MP was one of 15 MPs, who tabled a motion of no confidence in Mr Martin. Michael Martin will resign from the position of Speaker on June 21st.
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