THE veteran Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe has been tipped as a possible interim Speaker in the House of Commons.

The MP said she would not rule out the idea but emphasised the suggestion was not hers and had only heard the same speculation as others.

It follows today's announcement by Speaker Michael Martin that he is to resign in June.

She said: "I have only just heard about the idea and it has never been suggested to me before now. Frankly, I have not had any time to think about it. I do not even know that it is a good idea to have an interim Speaker. I am going to listen to what people have to say but unless there was an awful out of support out there, I am not sure."

But she confirmed that whatever happened, she would retire as MP at the election.

Meanwhile, Kent MPs have been giving their reaction to the Speaker’s decision to quit.

Ashford MP Damian Green (Con) said: "I am sure Michael Martin has done the right thing in standing down. The Commons is in a historic mess, and needs a strong reforming Speaker as part of its recovery. The other thing the country needs is an early general election to start the process of renewal."

But others said his departure next month should not be seen as the solution to the problems facing the Commons and the on-going row over allowances, according to one Labour backbencher.

Dr Steve Ladyman, Thanet South Labour MP, said: "It was inevitable when he failed to make any announcement yesterday. If he had said that he was going to stand down at the next general election, he could have survived. Having said that, we must not think as MPs that this sorts out the expenses issue. He cannot be a scapegoat. It is important that we go on and fix the problem rather than think that in getting rid of the Speaker everything is alright," he said.

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson (Con) said: "He has done the right thing in the circumstances. By no stretch of the imagination could you blame him entirely for what has happened but his removal was a necessary pre-requisite to start the process of reforming the House of Commons."

Ann for Speaker? Read our political editor Paul Francis' blog for his thoughts