Suspension of Blackpool South MP Triggers Recall Petition and Potential By-election

Parliament has approved the suspension of Blackpool South MP Scott Benton for 35 days, setting the scene for a recall petition and potentially another by-election. Mr. Benton had the Tory whip withdrawn last year and sits as an independent. An investigation by the Committee on Standards found that he breached the rules of conduct after the details emerged of his meeting with undercover reporters from The Times of London at a hotel in March. The reporters posed as gambling industry investors and offered the MP remuneration in return for lobbying other lawmakers and tabling parliamentary questions. Mr. Benton told the reporters that he could “absolutely” call in favours with his colleagues....