Michael Martin (politician) - Definition

The Right Honourable Michael Martin (sometimes nicknamed "Gorbals Mick") (born July 3, 1945) is the Speaker of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom.

He was a sheet-metal worker who came into politics by way of the trade union movement. He was a Labour MP for Glasgow Springburn, and was associated with the right-wing of the party. He was a supporter of Denis Healey and Roy Hattersley.

He was elected Speaker in 2000, succeeding Betty Boothroyd. He had previously been deputy speaker. He is the first Roman Catholic to hold the office.

He had been an active speaker, trying to raise the tone of debate in the Commons; he has on occasion, during Prime Minister's Question Time, stopped the Prime Minister from criticising the policies of the opposition.