Crispin Blunt

Conservative Party | Reigate

Martin Sixsmith resignation

Today Crispin raised with Mr Speaker a point regarding the resignation ofMartin Sixsmith. Mr Speaker thought the point was inappropriate, suggestinghe try another method, on another day.

Mr. Crispin Blunt (Reigate): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, at column 575, during questions on the Transport Secretary's statement, I asked:

"Did he make Martin Sixsmith's resignation a condition of Jo Moore's resignation?"—[Official Report, 26 February 2002; Vol. 380, c. 575.]

The Secretary of State said "No." On "Newsnight" last night, contemporaneous notes were revealed of a conversation between Sir Richard Mottram and Martin Sixsmith on the afternoon of 18 February. I quote directly:

"The bigger roadblock is Byers. He's invested so much face in this that his credibility is very much on the line. He has also made a firm promise to Jo that if she stepped down he would get your head to roll as well so it would be very hard for him to announce that you hadn't completely resigned after all."

That confirms stories in The Sunday Times of 24 February—

Mr. Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman is trying to use points of order to put a case. He is aware of the rules of the House. There are ways in which he can pursue matters, including parliamentary questions or Adjournment debates. He is trying to draw the Chair into the argument that he is advancing. I do not have anything further to say on that matter.

Mr. Blunt rose—

Mr. Speaker: Order. I do not have anything further to say on that matter.

Mr. Blunt rose—

Mr. Speaker: Order. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman should pursue this matter. I think that he has finished.

Mr. Blunt rose—

Mr. Speaker: Order. The matter is finished.