The resignation of Tory MP Scott Benton from parliament has triggered a by-election in his Blackpool South constituency, marking another significant political event in the UK. Benton, who was elected for the Conservatives in 2019, faced a 35-day suspension from parliament due to his involvement in a lobbying scandal.
This suspension was recommended by the Commons standards committee, which found Benton’s actions to be an “extremely serious breach” of the rules. The scandal involved Benton offering to lobby ministers on behalf of the gambling industry and leaking a confidential policy document for up to £4,000 a month. Undercover reporters for The Times caught Benton in a sting operation, where he admitted to being “for sale” and communicated a toxic message about the standards in parliament.
Key Facts:
- Impact on the Conservative Party: The scandal and Benton’s resignation highlight the challenges facing the Conservative Party, particularly in terms of maintaining public trust and managing internal issues.
- Significance of Blackpool South: The seat of Blackpool South is one of the “red wall” seats, having historically backed the Labour party until Benton’s win in 2019. It is also one of the most deprived areas in England, making the by-election a significant test for the Conservatives.
- Labour’s Strategy: Labour’s selection of Chris Webb as its candidate for Blackpool South reflects the party’s strategy to capitalize on the Conservative Party’s difficulties and the potential for a Labour victory in the seat.
Benton, who had the Conservative whip suspended since April and sat as an independent MP, was reportedly willing to break lobbying rules for money. His suspension was approved by MPs without the need for a vote, and he now faces a recall petition in his constituency. If 10% of his constituents sign the petition, a by-election will be triggered in his seat. This situation has led to increased scrutiny on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has faced two byelection defeats in October, with senior Tory MPs warning him that the party was on the verge of giving up.
Labour has selected Chris Webb, a left-wing trade unionist, as its prospective parliamentary candidate for the seat, believing it can win. This development comes after Labour’s significant by-election wins in West Lancashire and Wakefield, indicating a strong position for the party in the upcoming by-election. The Blackpool South seat is one of the “red wall” seats, having backed the Labour party from the 1997 election until Benton’s win in 2019. It is also one of the most deprived areas in England, adding to the political significance of the by-election.
The situation has been described as indicative of a weak Conservative prime minister who promised professionalism, integrity, and accountability but has delivered scandal and chaos. Labour Party chair, Anneliese Dodds, called for Benton to resign immediately to “save his constituents the upheaval and cost of a recall petition”.
BREAKING: Scott Benton has resigned as an MP, triggering a by-election in Blackpool South.@christopherhope
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The length of Benton’s suspension and the subsequent recall petition have led to a total of 11 by-elections held during Sunak’s time as prime minister, highlighting the challenges faced by the Conservative Party in maintaining its majority in parliament.
The resignation of Scott Benton and the subsequent by-election in Blackpool South represent a significant political event in the UK, reflecting ongoing challenges for the Conservative Party and the broader political landscape. The situation underscores the importance of ethical conduct in politics and the potential consequences of scandals for both individual politicians and their parties.
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