The Speaker of Britain's Parliament has resigned, a victim (some say scapegoat) of the moat and manure scandal (see post below).

After days of mounting pressure over Britains parliamentary expenses scandal, Michael Martin, the speaker of the House of Commons, announced Tuesday that he would step down the first holder of the prestigious position to be ousted in more than 300 years.The last time a speaker was ousted was in 1695 when Sir John Trevor was forced out of office after the House of commons found he accepted a bribe to push through legislation. The post of Speaker dates to the 14th century, straddling a delicate role between parliament and the monarchy. Before the mid-16th century, several office-holders were beheaded for perceived transgressions.

The latest gruesome details here.