Ex Calderdale Conservative MP Scott Benton faces the possibility of being suspended by Parliament
Benton sits in his constituency of Blackpool South as an Independent after having the whip removed at the start of April this year.
Mr Benton met with undercover reporters on the 7th of March who claimed to be representatives of a fake betting company named Tahr partners to discuss a possible job opportunity.
The report arose from an investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner whether Mr Benton breached paragraph 11 of the Code of Conduct for members of Parliament which is the following
‘Members shall never undertake any action which would cause significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons as a whole, or of its Members generally.’
If approved by Members of Parliament, it would mean a by-election for his constituency of Blackpool South. With a majority of 3,690 it would be hugely important seat for Labour and the Conservatives.
Mr Scott Benton said to the undercover reporters that he could “call in favours” and set up “dinners at the House of Commons”
If suspended Benton would lose his salary for the 35 days of his total suspension
A by-election could be called by his own constituency if 10% of his constituents sign a petition then a by-election would be called. Which would cause another headache for Rishi Sunak and the Conservative party