So he's defected to Reform UK eh? But........
Resign his seat, and have a by-election? Oh no!
Said it many times, and I'll say it again - It is NOT democratic because............
In my opinion, if any MP of any colour, jumps ship, a by-election should automatically be called, but until the constitution is amended, it's never gonna happen.
I just hope he is destroyed at the ballot box, when Sunak finally allow this nation of ours to rid ourselves of this apology of an administration!
Spelly.
He’s a loathsome individual, zero redeeming qualities. All that remains for these right-wingers is pandering to knuckle-draggers about immigration and binning off net zero targets. Embarrassing.
So he's defected to Reform UK eh? But........
Resign his seat, and have a by-election? Oh no!
Said it many times, and I'll say it again - It is NOT democratic because............
In my opinion, if any MP of any colour, jumps ship, a by-election should automatically be called, but until the constitution is amended, it's never gonna happen.
I just hope he is destroyed at the ballot box, when Sunak finally allow this nation of ours to rid ourselves of this apology of an administration!
Spelly.
On a purely practical level. It costs over £1 Million to hold a bye election.
They have to call a general election this year. It could come as early as May which would mean a new MP could be in place for a matter of weeks. No point at this stage to waste the money, time, effort, noise for something which will make no difference to anyone what-so-ever. The voters of Ashfield can make their choice in the not to distant future. If he wins he wins if he loses he loses the people will have spoken. At least its a competitive seat.
In our voting system, voters cast their vote for the candidate, who is elected to represent the constituency in Parliament. Arguably, the Reform Party represents the far right wing of the Tory Party and Lee Anderson is likely to be re-elected at the next election. Apparently, he is in an excellent constituency MP.
Perhaps the system should allow the local electorate to call a by-election by way of a local petition, in a similar way to a recall petition when a sitting MP has to vacate their seat and a by-election called.
As has been said, with a Parliamentary election imminent it would be a waste of money to have a by-election, notwithstanding that the cost would be nowhere near £1m.
I totally accept there could be a general election as early as May, although I'll be surprised if it's before the Super League Grand Final, but............
I repeat that in a situation where an MP jumps ship / changes colour / defects, it should be written into the constitution that a by election is automatically called.
I wouldn't vote Tory to save my life, but more people in Ashfield put their X for the blue faction at the last election than for any other party, yet they are not now represented in that way, and have my sympathy in that scenario! It is NOT democratic!
He's done nowt wrong legally, but he has (in my opinion) done so morally.
Spelly.
I totally accept there could be a general election as early as May, although I'll be surprised if it's before the Super League Grand Final, but............
I repeat that in a situation where an MP jumps ship / changes colour / defects, it should be written into the constitution that a by election is automatically called.
I wouldn't vote Tory to save my life, but more people in Ashfield put their X for the blue faction at the last election than for any other party, yet they are not now represented in that way, and have my sympathy in that scenario! It is NOT democratic!
He's done nowt wrong legally, but he has (in my opinion) done so morally.
Spelly.
Lee Anderson didn't jump ship though. The Tories suspended the whip. This meant he couldn't be a Tory member of parliament. This is exactly the same as labour did with Jeremy Corbyn and as the Tories did with Andrew Bridgen. Both are independent MP's. The only choice Lee Anderson had was to be an independent MP or to join another party. He didn't have the choice to remain with the Tories.
I totally accept there could be a general election as early as May, although I'll be surprised if it's before the Super League Grand Final, but............
I repeat that in a situation where an MP jumps ship / changes colour / defects, it should be written into the constitution that a by election is automatically called.
I wouldn't vote Tory to save my life, but more people in Ashfield put their X for the blue faction at the last election than for any other party, yet they are not now represented in that way, and have my sympathy in that scenario! It is NOT democratic!
He's done nowt wrong legally, but he has (in my opinion) done so morally.
Spelly.
Lee Anderson didn't jump ship though. The Tories suspended the whip. This meant he couldn't be a Tory member of parliament. This is exactly the same as labour did with Jeremy Corbyn and as the Tories did with Andrew Bridgen. Both are independent MP's. The only choice Lee Anderson had was to be an independent MP or to join another party. He didn't have the choice to remain with the Tories.
Agreed, but I just repeat the last sentence of my post!
Spelly.
I'm with Spelly. The instant you decide you change your allegiance, there should be a by-election. I don't vote for Derek Twigg, whether I like him or not is immaterial, I vote for Labour. If DT decided to change his allegiance tomorrow to Lib Dem, I wouldn't be changing; ergo, my vote is compromised. I don't care if it costs a million quid to right that wrong, it should be spent.
I'm with Spelly. The instant you decide you change your allegiance, there should be a by-election. I don't vote for Derek Twigg, whether I like him or not is immaterial, I vote for Labour. If DT decided to change his allegiance tomorrow to Lib Dem, I wouldn't be changing; ergo, my vote is compromised. I don't care if it costs a million quid to right that wrong, it should be spent.
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I totally agree.
Money can't come before democracy, or else why bother to have elections anyway?
It would save a vast amount of taxpayers cash if we used the same system as the House of Lords, and leave it to the elite to choose what's best for us!