Tributes to the Speaker who rose from shop f loor
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Speaker of the House of Commons Lord Martin of Springburn, who died yesterday.
The 72-year-old Scottish Labour stalwart passed away in the early hours following a short illness, his ex-MSP son Paul confirmed.
Michael Martin was forced to resign in 2009, the first Speaker to do so in more than 300 years, following his efforts to block publication of MPs’ expenses.
Although former Speakers are automatically elevated to the Lords, the decision to grant his was controversial. But the Glasgow-born former sheet metal worker was given a peerage – and sat on the crossbenches.
Yesterday, his son said: ‘He passed away early this morning after a period of short illness, peacefully with his family.’
UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led tributes to the former Labour MP, saying he was ‘very sorry’ to hear of the news.
Richard Leonard, the Scottish Labour leader, said: ‘I am saddened to hear of Michael Martin’s passing. He was an authentic working-class voice in parliament for many years.
‘He never forgot where he came from, the community he served and the trade union movement, which gave him his education.’
Speaker John Bercow said: ‘I’m very sorry to hear this news. Michael was a decent, publicspirited man who had a real care and concern for members, their staff and the staff of the House. He also had a great sense of humour.
‘On a personal level, he was always very kind to me. I still remember the lovely letter of congratulations he sent to me after my election as Speaker.’
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: ‘I knew him as a successful trade union organiser, a dedicated MP, a conscientious Speaker and latterly as a member of the House of Lords.
‘No matter the position he occupied, he never forgot the debt he owed to his upbringing and the people he had been elected to serve.’
Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘Very sorry to hear of the death of former Glasgow MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin. My condolences to his family.’
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: ‘Very sorry to hear that Michael Martin has died. I fought the by-election sparked by his resignation as Speaker. He was well-kent at every door. My thoughts are with his family.’
Former First Minister Alex Salmond said: ‘Sad to hear of the passing of Lord Michael Martin.
‘He was a thoroughly decent man who never deserved the storm of press prejudice which often came his way.
‘He also met the fundamental requirement of any Speaker – absolute fairness in the Chair. Thoughts are with his family.’
‘He never forgot his upbringing’