WILLIAMS WELCOMES SPEAKER'S RESIGNATION

2.43.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th May 2009

Commenting on the Speaker's statement that he will stand down on Sunday 21st June, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"I am pleased that the Speaker has acknowledged his position is untenable, and I am grateful to him for sparing us further damaging uncertainty.

"We need to move forward with proposals for reform, and it has become clear that the Speaker was not in a position to command confidence to lead those reforms.

"I would like to thank the Speaker for his work over the last nine years, and it is a matter of deep regret that his time in office has ended in this way.

"Now that this decision has been taken, it is essential that we press ahead with the urgent task of reforming the system and ensuring tough action is taken against those who have abused the system."