MICHAEL Martin today announced he will step down as Commons Speaker on June 21, to preserve unity among MPs in the wake of the Westminster expenses scandal.
Mr Martin told MPs: "In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided to relinquish the post of Speaker on Sunday, June 21.
"A new Speaker will be elected on June 22."
In a statement lasting less than a minute, Mr Martin told a packed Commons chamber: "Since I came to this House 30 years ago, I have always felt that the House is at its best when it is united.
"In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided that I will relinquish the office of Speaker on Sunday, June 21. This will allow the House to proceed to elect a new Speaker on Monday, June 22. That is all I have to say on this matter."
Mr Martin then gave the traditional call of "order, order" and moved on to the first item of business on the Commons order paper - questions to the Foreign Secretary.
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