Downing Street has brought itself some time with the Speakers head and Martin gets to leave with the knowledge he's the first Speaker in 314 years to be forced out. Who takes his place however, will give the public a good insight into how parliament intends to proceed.
Martin will also stand down as a MP, leaving the by-election in Glasgow North East a very interesting fight. It's considered a Labour safe seat yet, SNP no doubt will be putting up a fight for it. Nothing will say thanks for devolution quite like the SNP wining that seat.
The saddest aspect to this resignation is that he managed to bring the office of Speaker itself into disrepute. He takes with him the notion that the Speaker is impartial and a leader in the house of commons. Whoever does take over will have to be not only a Betty Boothroyd in confidence and leadership, but almost a saint. In what most will consider a den of thieves, it's going to be a hard sell.
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