What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Former House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin has died, his family said today.

The 72-year-old died on Sunday morning after a short illness, his son Paul Martin confirmed.

He said: "He passed away early this morning after a period of short illness.

"He passed away peacefully with his family.

"We would be grateful for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time."

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "Very sorry to hear of the death of Michael Martin.

"We first met as organisers in the National Union of Public Employees, campaigning for decent public sector pay and the national minimum wage.

"Michael loved his community and family, our thoughts are with them at this sad time."

Michael Martin - latterly Lord Martin of Springburn after the Glasgow constituency he represented from 1979 to 2005 - was Speaker from 2000 to 2009.

(Image: Daily Record)

In October that year, the former Labour MP joined his predecessor as speaker, Baroness Boothroyd, on the crossbenches.

Although by tradition speakers are elevated to the Lords, the decision to grant Lord Martin's peerage proved controversial with some speculation the honour should be withheld.

When he was speaker, he was criticised for leading efforts to block the publication of MPs' expenses, and for his handling of the affair once the revelations began.

He was the first Commons speaker to be forced to resign in 300 years.

Lord Martin was succeeded by John Bercow.