Scott Benton Suspended, Triggering Potential By-Election in Blackpool South

The former Tory MP's suspension over a lobbying scandal could lead to another electoral test for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Scott Benton, former Tory MP for Blackpool South, has been suspended from the House of Commons for 35 days over a lobbying scandal, triggering a potential by-election.
The suspension came after Benton was found to have breached Commons rules by offering to lobby ministers on behalf of gambling investors for money.
A recall petition in Benton's constituency could lead to a by-election if 10% of eligible voters sign it, with the Conservatives defending a slim majority.
This potential by-election in Blackpool South would be the fourth held this year, and a defeat would mark the 11th seat lost by the government in by-elections since 2019.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces another electoral challenge following recent Labour victories in Kingswood and Wellingborough.