- By-election challenge looms
- Benton faces 35-day suspension
- Appeal dismissed by tribunal
Scott Benton, MP for Blackpool South, is set to serve a 35-day suspension from the House of Commons following the rejection of his appeal against the Standards Committee’s decision by an independent tribunal.
Scott Benton was caught in a lobbying sting and consequently barred from the House of Commons, against which he had appealed a recommended suspension.
This development poses another by-election challenge for the Conservatives, who have already lost an unprecedented number of seats in parliament.
Last April, Mr. Benton was removed from the Conservative parliamentary party for allegedly offering to breach lobbying rules in exchange for money to an undercover reporter from The Times.
His behaviour was considered a “very serious breach” of the rules by the standards committee, which after investigation, advised that he be suspended from the House of Commons for 35 days.
Mr. Benton, challenging the Parliamentary Standards Committee’s suspension, appealed to the Independent Expert Panel (IEP), denying any wrongdoing.
However, today the IEP dismissed the appeal, finding his arguments without merit.
MPs will now vote on the sanction; if approved, it could trigger a recall petition, necessitating a by-election if supported by 10% of constituents.
Labour suggests Mr. Benton should “do the decent thing and resign” now.
Labour Calls for Benton’s Resignation
Jonathan Ashworth, shadow paymaster general, argued that Scott Benton should step down, sparing Blackpool South’s constituents a lengthy recall petition process and lack of representation.
This is yet another by-election prompted by Conservative scandal, underscoring the need for change. Labour contends that Chris Webb is ready to represent Blackpool South anew.
Mr. Benton won a seat held by Labour since 1997 and the Conservatives before with a 3,690-vote margin in 2019.
Labour has recently overturned significant majorities in by-elections, including in Kingswood and Wellingborough.
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Mr. Benton’s appeal argued the investigation was flawed and the 35-day suspension “irrational and disproportionate.”
However, the IEP found the process fair and his objections to the sanction unfounded.
The standards committee highlighted aggravating factors in Mr. Benton’s case. Including misleading accounts of events and indicative behaviour of a pattern.
Also the Times undercover reporters posed as a lobbying business and recorded Mr. Benton offering a monthly fee to help.
MPs are strictly forbidden from paid lobbying or advising on influencing parliament.
Ultimately, Mr. Benton did not receive any payment related to the meeting.
