Speaker Wanted: £2 Million Pension

So for those of you not aware, or based outside of the U.K. MPs are voting for a new Speaker of the British House of Commons today. The previous Speaker, Michael Martin, resigned from the post and stepped down on June 21st 2009.  He stepped down owing to the MPs expences scandal that has plagued U.K. politics this year. He is the first speaker to be forced out of the post since Sir John Trevor in 1695.

The role essentially presides over the House of Commons and the debates that take place. The Speaker is also responsible for maintaining order during any debate and may punish members who break the rules. This is similar to the role of a comedy club MC or wedding Toastmaster… except without the punishment.

It is reported in the Daily Mirror that the new Speaker could end up with a £2 million pension, once they eventually retire. Hell of a chunk of change, especially in light of the recent problems over MPs expences.

It will be interesting to see what unfolds today in light of recent political turmoil. I know thsat there is at least one woman, Margaret Beckettm in the running for the post. If she gets it she will only be the second woman to have held the post after Betty Boothroyd.

Personally, I feel a few more gags and potshots at MPs shoudl be the order of the day but I sadly don’t think that that’s going to be very likely.

Update: 22/06/2009, 22.38hrs

Conservati ve MP John Bercow is voted new Speaker in the House of Commons

Tagged with: British House Of Commons • House Of Commons

Filed under: Public Speaking

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