Jobs for the Boys
Now there's a surprise - Michael Martin, former Glasgow Labour MP and speaker of the House of Commons - has been elevated to the House of Lords.
Michael Martin was the first Commons speaker to be ousted in 300 years - over his handling of the MPs' expenses scandal - yet he has been rewarded for his performance - with a seat in the unelected 'noble' chamber.
As well as being kitted out in a new set of ermine robes - the former speaker will be entitled to claim the generous allowances and expenses paid to their lordships - while drawing a pension that's based on his final salary in the Commons - which was a whacking great £146,041 a year.
The Lords Appointments Commission (an independent vetting panel) apparently expressed concern that Michael Martin's appointment could damage its reputation - but was overruled by the Prime Minister, according to press reports.
Little wonder that so many people are so disillusioned with Westminster - and the antics of its politicians.
Michael Martin was the first Commons speaker to be ousted in 300 years - over his handling of the MPs' expenses scandal - yet he has been rewarded for his performance - with a seat in the unelected 'noble' chamber.
As well as being kitted out in a new set of ermine robes - the former speaker will be entitled to claim the generous allowances and expenses paid to their lordships - while drawing a pension that's based on his final salary in the Commons - which was a whacking great £146,041 a year.
The Lords Appointments Commission (an independent vetting panel) apparently expressed concern that Michael Martin's appointment could damage its reputation - but was overruled by the Prime Minister, according to press reports.
Little wonder that so many people are so disillusioned with Westminster - and the antics of its politicians.
