Scott Benton Loses Appeal, Faces Possible By-Election
Undercover Sting Exposes MP’s Lobbying Scandal
Scott Benton, the MP for Blackpool South, has lost his appeal against suspension following an undercover newspaper sting where he offered to lobby ministers for gambling investors. The Commons sleaze watchdog deemed his actions as an “extremely serious” breach of Parliamentary rules, recommending a 35-day suspension, a decision that Mr. Benton contested. However, his appeal has been overturned, raising the likelihood of a by-election in his marginal seat.
Potential By-Election Looms in Blackpool South
The rejection of Benton’s appeal sets the stage for a possible by-election in Blackpool South, a marginal seat won by the Tories with a slim majority of 3,690 votes over Labour in the last election. This development comes on the heels of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent losses in two traditionally safe Tory seats, Kingswood and Wellingborough, during Thursday’s by-elections.
Recall Petition and Calls for Resignation
If MPs confirm the suspension, a recall petition will be initiated in Blackpool South. Should over 10% of constituents demand a by-election, one will be conducted. Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth urged Benton to resign, emphasizing the need to spare the people of Blackpool South from a protracted recall process and ensure they receive the representation they deserve amidst the turmoil caused by Tory scandals.
Revisiting the Lobbying Scandal
In the undercover meeting with reporters from The Times, Benton’s conduct suggested corruption and a willingness to influence government decisions for personal gain. The Standards Committee’s report condemned his actions, highlighting their detrimental impact on parliamentary standards and democracy at large. Benton’s attempt to downplay his statements by claiming they were lies to impress the reporters was dismissed as not credible by Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg.
Benton Expresses Disappointment
Following the appeal decision, Benton expressed deep disappointment, criticizing the process as unfair and marred by leaks to the media. Despite his protests, the Standards Committee findings stand, pointing to Benton’s actions as undermining the integrity of Parliament. His future in office remains uncertain as Blackpool South potentially faces a pivotal by-election amid the fallout from the scandal.
