David Morton
Lifetime Supporter
Today in the Commons will be very interesting as the ten MPs vying for the job of Speaker of the House of Commons, a job left vacant by 'Gorbals Mick' Michael Martin after he was forced out of office, will present their case on why they should be elected. What makes it much more interesting is that it should have been a democratic all party vote but Gordon Brown has interefered (again) and has had his 'Whips' out (yes - real people whos job it is to persuade party members to to things the Prime Minister bids them to do) and in this case Brown is trying to get people to vote for the incredibly thick skinned and incredibly noxious Margaret Becket. If ever a case for impeachment presents itself, then this is it.
The Speaker is entitled to a pension worth half their salary whenever they retire, regardless of how long they have served. Would Becket surrender that right? I doubt it. This job as speaker will only last until the General election which if Brown's house of cards comes tumbling down next week, then we will have the Election everybody else in the country except Brown wants and the job of Speaker is finished. If Becket is in power as the Speaker she will walk with accrued pensions around £125k, a title (minimum Baroness) and a guaranteed seat in the upper chamber. Snouts in the trough? Big time.............
The Speaker is entitled to a pension worth half their salary whenever they retire, regardless of how long they have served. Would Becket surrender that right? I doubt it. This job as speaker will only last until the General election which if Brown's house of cards comes tumbling down next week, then we will have the Election everybody else in the country except Brown wants and the job of Speaker is finished. If Becket is in power as the Speaker she will walk with accrued pensions around £125k, a title (minimum Baroness) and a guaranteed seat in the upper chamber. Snouts in the trough? Big time.............