Michael Martin smiled wanly as he led his entourage of officials and followers into the House of Commons chamber. A small crowd of MPs had gathered to watch what looked like a funeral procession, clapping politely. “Hypocrites,” snarled one friend of the Speaker.

Mr Martin, left, was supposed to represent the authority of the House of Commons, but on Tuesday in a statement lasting 33 seconds he was forced to resign, a humiliated figure.