The speaker of the House of Commons resigned Tuesday over an MPs' expenses scandal which has plunged Britain into its worst political crisis for years and outraged voters. Michael Martin became the first person to quit the prestigious post since 1695 after losing moral authority among lawmakers, 23 of whom had signed a motion of no confidence.
Although there had been questions over his leadership for years, Martin's fate was sealed by his failure to embrace reforms which his opponents said were necessary to rebuild public confidence in politicians after the expenses furore. "In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided that I will relinquish the office of speaker on Sunday June 21," he said in a brief statement to the lower house.