Scoop for STV on Martin stand down

NEWS that Michael Martin MP was intending to stand down as Speaker of the House of Commons broke as early as 10.15 yesterday morning – resulting in something of a scoop for STV and its political editor, Bernard Ponsonby.

The breaking news story first appeared on the STV website, to be followed up 15 minutes later as an on-air news flash.

Says Gordon Macmillan, head of news at STV: “This is an historic political story for all of the UK and I’m delighted STV got it first.”

Martin, MP for Glasgow North East, went on to announce his plans to leave his position as Speaker of the House of Commons at 2.30pm.