Speaker Martin to stand down on June 21; Tory Hogg to go at next election

From @LabourList

In a very short speech to the House of Commons at 2.30pm, Michael Martin announced that he would stand down as Speaker of the House of Commons on June 21st, allowing an election of a new Speaker on June 22nd. He said:

“Since I came to this House 30 years ago I’ve always felt the House is at its best when it is united. In order that unity be maintained, I have decided to reliquish my duties as Speaker of this House as of June 21 so that a new speaker may be elected on June 22.”

Douglas Hogg has also today announced he will not stand for re-election after this Parliament.