- Nadine Dorries’ Absence Raises Concerns Among Constituents
- Locals Express Frustration Over MP’s Limited Presence
- Calls for Resignation Amidst Lack of Representation and Controversy
The former culture secretary resigned as a member of parliament “with immediate effect” in June, but she has not yet stood down and remains in office even though her constituents have not seen her in a while.
The majority of residents in the Mid Bedfordshire constituency have an opinion about their allegedly absent representative, Nadine Dorries.
“She’s an acquired taste,” a man says as he walks through Ampthill’s monthly market with a grin and snort.
The former culture secretary resigned “with immediate effect” in June when Boris Johnson’s honours list did not include her.
However, she has not yet officially resigned, so a by-election cannot be held.
“I haven’t seen her in years, but I sell her novels,” said the proprietor of the bookstand at the Ampthill market, alluding to Ms. Dorries’ parallel career as a writer.
Another man asserts that the politician used to be more visible and that he had encountered her a few times “usually when she was standing outside Waitrose.”
This is not the first time that Nadine Dorries has caused a stir in her community.
In 2013, after she appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, thousands of her constituents signed a petition advocating for a by-election.
This continues to irritate some locals.
“She can stay in the bush as she is valuable to us… “I’ve never seen her,” said an Ampthill woman.
In nearby Flitwick, three improvised posters near the train station read “Dosser Dorries out” and “£86k per year, but she’s never here!” – a reference to the compensation paid to members of Congress.
Unanswered text messages and an incoming call with a dial tone indicating the handset was abroad have occurred.
We were also unable to find her listed Shefford constituency office.
The mayor of Flitwick wants the MP to quit since she hasn’t had surgery in three years.
The independent council leader for Central Bedfordshire told that her upcoming television program and book about Boris Johnson are pertinent.
Cllr Adam Zerny opined, “I suspect people feel she’s trying to position her personal life for when she finally resigns… that’s frustrating for people because it should be about the residents.”
House of Commons records show Nadine Dorries has not spoken or voted since July and April.
In addition, she is still listed as having employed her daughter as a paid assistant.
However, despite local outrage, there is little that constituents can do to compel a resignation.
A recall petition, which could result in a by-election, is only permissible under extremely limited conditions. Such as a criminal conviction or prolonged Commons suspension.
However, there was some criticism from Downing Street.
Rishi Sunak has stated that Bedfordshire electors are not “properly represented.
This week, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk echoed this sentiment, stating, “Representatives will want to have proper representation as soon as possible.”
Sir Chris Bryant, a senior Labour MP, suggests reintroducing an 1801 Commons rule to remove the Bedfordshire representative.
Sir Chris stated, “We should say that if you’re drawing a salary as an MP and claiming expenses to employ staff and run your office and everything else, the least you can do is attend Parliament.”
Nadine Dorries has stated that she will not resign until she learns why she was not peeraged.
Others think she’s calling a conference season by-election to hurt the prime minister.
Back in Ampthill, however, she still has supporters.
One man stated that she had been “extremely mistreated” by Rishi Sunak and had been an “outstanding member of parliament,” adding with a wry expression, “When she is in parliament.”
