AIBU to think defecting MPs should trigger a by-election?

[MarshmallowFondant]

Just watching the news to see a Conservative MP has "defected" and is now a Labour MP.

How is this fair to the electorate of Bury South? Like it or not, the electorate there wanted a Tory MP. They had a Tory MP. Now, because the guy has defected. they now have a Labour MP and no choice but to put up with that until the next general election.

It just seems unfair - whatever the parties involved.

AIBU to think that if you're elected to represent a party, and then decide you no longer want to represent that party, that it should be the rule that you step down and call a by-election?

Sorry; Recall of MPs Act.

AwaitingSueGraysInvestigation, yes, but only in certain defined circumstances. While I don't think it should be available for any reason, I do think the criteria should be widened.

NoRace Gosh, yes you're right

Teach me to go gabbing off before I get the full picture!

This is why you shouldn't believe things you read on forums, kids. Even well-meaning people get it wrong sometimes.

@AwaitingSueGraysInvestigation

NoRace Gosh, yes you're right

Teach me to go gabbing off before I get the full picture!

This is why you shouldn't believe things you read on forums, kids. Even well-meaning people get it wrong sometimes.

I only found out the other day when I was checking to see if the voters of, oh say for a random example, Uxbridge and South Ruislip could perhaps trigger a by-election if, for some inexplicable reason, they weren't happy with their MP. Alas!

Yanbu

MPs losing or giving up the whip and becoming independent should not trigger a by-election, but any who defect to another party should resign their seat and stand for the new party in a by-election.