LONDON: The Speaker of Britain's lower house said yesterday he would step down in June after criticism of his handling of a scandal over lawmakers' expenses that has badly tarnished the reputation of the "Mother of Parliaments".

Michael Martin becomes the most senior figure to step down after parliamentarians' expense claims for everything from manure to porn films triggered outrage across recession-hit Britain and opposition calls for an early general election.

"In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided that I will relinquish the office of Speaker on Sunday, June 21," Martin said in a short statement to a packed parliament. A new Speaker will be elected the following day, he added.