Months after the Conservatives suspended him for an “extremely serious” lobbying scandal, a former Tory MP has stepped down, triggering yet another by-election.
Blow For Sunak
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could well have been dealt with another huge blow after a by-election has been triggered in one of his constituencies.
By-Election Defeats
After losing two by-elections by landslide defeats in both Wellingborough and Kingswood, Sunak could be on the verge of another disaster.
Scott Benton’s Resignation
Former Conservative MP Scott Benton has announced his resignation, triggering another by-election in the Blackpool South constituency.
Suspension From Tory Whip
Benton was suspended by the Tory Party back in 2023 when he was involved in a lobbying scandal, although has refused to call a by-election ever since.
Benton’s Appeal Attempt
Benton officially lost his appeal against his suspension after breaching rules related to gambling, causing him to serve as an independent.
Benton’s Lobbying Scandal
Benton’s scandal involved his willingness to leak confidential policy papers and pose parliamentary questions in exchange for favors.
Benton Denies Allegations
Benton announced his resignation after heavy pressure from the public in Blackpool South although he denies the allegations against him.
Benton’s Announcement
Benton announced, “It’s with a heavy heart that I have written to the chancellor this morning to tender my resignation as your MP.”
Residents Allegedly Send Well-Wishes
Benton claimed that “hundreds of residents” from the constituency had sent him well wishes in the form of cards and flowers and thanked them for their generosity.
Thanking His Supporters
“I’d like to thank the hundreds of residents who have sent supportive messages, cards and letters over the last few months” Benton revealed.
Supporters Urge Benton to Fight
According to Benton, those supporters “urged” him “to continue and fight the next election” although now that won’t be possible.
Benton’s Opinion on Labour Government
Benton spoke about what a potential Labour government would do to the country, insisting, “A Labour government would be catastrophic for our country.”
Labour’s Landslide Prediction
Labour has been predicted in the polls to inflict a landslide defeat on the Tories in the general election planned for this year.
Benton’s Reason For Resignation
Benton said his reason for stepping down was so the new Tory candidate would have a reasonable amount of time to prepare and prevent a Labour takeover in the by-election.
A Chance of Victory
“I’m mindful of giving a new candidate the time and space to campaign to prevent that (a Labour victory) from happening,” Benton claimed in his resignation letter.
Labour’s Overwhelming Majority
Labour won two previous by-elections in Wellingborough and Kingswood with an overwhelming majority, the likes of which hadn’t been seen since World War Two.
Benton’s “Extremely Serious” Breach
Benton was suspended for 35 days after it was revealed he was willing to give away disclosed information to a gambling firm, a matter that a watchdog called “extremely serious.”
Benton “Deeply Disappointed”
Benton insisted at the time that he was “prone to regular leaks at every stage”, and he was “deeply disappointed” with the investigation’s result.
Sunak’s By-Election Woes
Since Sunak came into office back in October 2022, the Prime Minister has seen 11 by-elections, making this his 12th and one of the most crucial.
Losing Election After Election
Of the 11 by-elections that Sunak has faced so far as Prime Minister, the Conservatives have only managed to regain a seat at one of them, showing the public’s discontent with the government.
General Election Calls
Both MPs and members of the public are calling for a general election, although Sunak has insisted he will wait until Autumn before anything is announced.
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The post Domino Effect: Tory MP Steps Down As Another By-Election Is Triggered first appeared on Edge Media.
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