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Withington MP supports by-elections for disgraced politicians
November 17, 2009 3:15 PM
Local people should be able to force by-elections if their MP has broken parliamentary rules or committed a criminal offence according to Withington MP, John Leech.
Mr Leech has supported a move in parliament to give constituents the opportunity to petition for their local MP to face a by-election, if they were found to have seriously broken the law or parliamentary regulations. A similar system already operates across many US states, enabling voters to remove politicians before the end of their term in office.
John Leech said:
"In the wake of expenses scandal, real changes need to be made to restore confidence in politics, such as giving people the power to recall disgraced MPs. This measure would enable the public to hold their elected officials to account throughout their term, not simply once every few years at a general election."
John Leech added:
"This measure would have to be carefully designed and managed but I believe that as part of a wider package of reforms, it would be a step towards achieving a new degree of trust in our governing institutions."
Notes for Editors:
1. John Leech has signed Early Day Motion 2255:
RECALL OF HON. MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
09.11.2009
Howarth, David
That this House believes that where an hon. Member has been duly determined seriously to have broken the rules of the House, with the result that the hon. Member has been suspended from the service of the House for a period greater than one week, or where an hon. Member has been convicted of a criminal offence that relates to his or her service in the House, the electors of the hon. Member's constituency should have the right to petition that the seat be vacated and a by-election called.
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