Michael expected to resign

Rumours are growing in and around Westminster that the Speaker will be announcing his retirement later today.

Scottish Television is now reporting this tip too. And Sky News has 'sources'.

Paul Waugh (Evening Standard) reports:

I'm told Michael Martin will announce any minute that he will step down. Currently checking details.

I understand he will make an announcement at 2.30pm

Gordon Brown will be holding his monthly press conference at 5:00pm today. Ther is a whiff of a national emergency about all this me thinks.