Forum Topic

11 Constituencies Without A Politically Aligned MP

11 so far, possibly more to follow.It is not acceptable for a constuency to have an MP who doesn't belong to a political party. This bunch of defectors must now fight a by-election to verify their seats. They must do this by either registering The Independent Group with the Electoral Commission as a new political party with a common manifesto, or by standing individually as an Independent.

Sue Hammond ● 2821d10 Comments

A by election is not a requirement of our parliamentary system: 'A by-election is held if a seat becomes vacant during the lifetime of a Parliament, either when an MP resigns from the House of Commons, or because an MP has died. The law also allows a seat to be declared vacant because of a Member's bankruptcy, mental illness or conviction for a serious criminal offence.A by-election does not automatically take place if an MP changes political party.'https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/elections-and-voting/by-elections/Regarding your point about them not belonging to a political party though, I don't know.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent_Group

Clare Noeken ● 2821d

Yes I know why by-elections are usually held Clare but this is an unprecented situation. These MPs owe it to their constituents. Would you be happy to have an MP with no official manifesto?

Sue Hammond ● 2821d

"unprecented"Oops should be unprecedented. Corrected before the forum Schoolmistress posts a sarky comment.🙀

Sue Hammond ● 2821d

Leaving the EU is simply not in the national interest, so they are putting the interests of the country first.  It is worth listening to these 2 speeches, given today.  I would be a little surprised if Justine Greening made the same leap but I would think the more of her if she did, manifesto or not.Heidi Allens defection speech:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndl2lokdT5oAnna Soubrys defection speech:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7IDxLqDaag

Clare Noeken ● 2821d

I heard the speeches live on LBC. You're evading my question.

Sue Hammond ● 2821d

It may be unprecedented for so many MPs to leave their parties but we live in the most uncertain times and many constituents have no faith in either major party.It doesn't mean byelections need to be held Sue. But for once you are in agreement with Corbyn who has stated that when Labour is in Government he will change the regulations so that a byelection is held every time an MP changes his party allegiance. Ho hum. Guess you'll vote Labour at the  next GE then.

Lucille Grant ● 2821d

No a by-election should not be mandatory for a lone defector but I would expect him/her to stand down anyway because they would presumably have a different manifesto that might not represent the constituency.  I do agree with Corbyn in this instance though. If you remember from another thread, I said I would vote Labour if they stood on a manifesto to deliver Brexit. The problem is I don't trust any of the mainstream politicians now.  Just waiting for Farage to get the Brexit Party launched.

Sue Hammond ● 2821d

I wonder what is the difference between the Brexit Party and the Independent Group launching their parties (apart from ideology, of course!).Farage, by definition, cannot be an MP and an MEP at the same time.  At least, I think not!!As for the Independent Group, it must be somewhat similar when the SDP left Labour....We shall have to wait and see what happens in the coming weeks.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2821d

There woudn't be any difference at all Ivonne and if any MPs defected from other parties to join the Brexit Party I would still expect the same from them.The Brexit Party is not processing membership yet but it is possible to register an interest in joining.  Last week over 100,000 people had registered their details.The next two weeks will be fascinating!

Sue Hammond ● 2821d

Well, Sue, the next two weeks may be fascinating but, as far as I am concerned, it is a very sad state of affairs just because it confirms every fear I had about our current political situation.At the moment, what we need is true leadership and statesmanship.  Sadly, it is absent in every sphere....  Not good.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2821d