Britain's Parliamentary Speaker Michael Martin has found himself at the center of a heated argument over his lavish expenses claims, including taxpayer-funded taxi rides his wife used for shopping trips.

Though he has broken no laws or rules, Martin has been criticized for claiming around $8,420 for his wife's cab fares and around $34,125 toward the cost of a second home in Scotland.

His expenses, and claims for thousands of dollars more to pay for legal bills and airline tickets, have set many wondering if he is the right person to lead a review of the generous allowances offered to lawmakers.