After Betty Boothroyd retired as Speaker of the House of Commons in 2000, Michael Martin took over the role. Martin, a Labour Party politician, served as Speaker from 2000 to 2009. He was the first Catholic to hold the position in over 300 years.

Michael Martin's tenure as Speaker was not without controversy. He faced criticism for his handling of the expenses scandal that rocked British politics in 2009. The scandal revealed widespread abuse of parliamentary expenses by Members of Parliament, leading to public outrage and calls for reform.

In May 2009, Michael Martin became the first Speaker of the House of Commons to be forced to resign in over 300 years. His resignation marked the end of a tumultuous period for the British Parliament and led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in the political system.

Following Michael Martin's resignation, John Bercow was elected as the new Speaker of the House of Commons. Bercow, a Conservative Party politician, served as Speaker from 2009 to 2019. During his tenure, Bercow gained a reputation for his assertive and sometimes controversial style of leadership.

John Bercow's time as Speaker was marked by his efforts to modernize and reform the procedures of the House of Commons. He introduced a number of changes aimed at increasing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Parliament. However, his leadership style also made him a divisive figure, with some critics accusing him of overstepping his authority.

In 2019, John Bercow announced his intention to step down as Speaker, citing his desire to "do the right thing by the House." His departure marked the end of a decade-long tenure that saw significant changes within the British Parliament.

Overall, the Speakers who replaced Betty Boothroyd have played crucial roles in shaping the functioning and reputation of the House of Commons. From Michael Martin's tumultuous tenure to John Bercow's controversial leadership, each Speaker has left their mark on British politics.

Sign Up