Politics
Rishi Sunak braced for another by-election after ex-Tory MP Scott Benton suspended from Commons
Former Tory MP Scott Benton has been suspended from the Commons for 35 days over his role in a lobbying sting – creating another headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
MPs approved the suspension of Mr Benton on Tuesday evening without the need for a vote – known as going through on the nod.
And he will now face a recall petition in his constituency of Blackpool South, which could lead to him being booted out of his seat and a by-election being called.
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Labour Party chair, Anneliese Dodds, called for Mr Benton to resign immediately to “save his constituents the upheaval and cost of a recall petition”, adding: “Scott Benton’s lobbying brought himself, the Conservatives and parliament into disrepute.
“This is indicative of a weak Conservative prime minister who promised professionalism, integrity and accountability and has delivered nothing but sleaze, scandal and chaos.”
Mr Benton had the Tory whip removed last April after suggesting to undercover reporters at The Times that he would be willing to break lobbying rules for money.
A subsequent investigation by parliament’s Standards Committee found he had committed a “very serious breach” of the rules and recommended a 35-day suspension from the Commons.
The backbench MP – who has sat as an independent since being kicked out of the Conservative Party – denied wrongdoing and appealed the suspension to the Independent Expert Panel (IEP), the body that sits above the Standards Committee.
But in a ruling earlier this month, the IEP said it “found no substance” in his arguments and dismissed the appeal.
The length of the suspension means Mr Benton is now facing a recall petition, and if 10% of his constituents sign it, a by-election will be triggered in his seat.
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It would take the number of by-elections held during Mr Sunak’s time as prime minister to 11.
Earlier this month, Labour managed to overturn five-figure majorities to win both the Kingswood and Wellingborough by-elections from the Tories.
Sky News has approached Mr Benton for comment.