Graham Stringer

Graham Stringer

Labour — Blackley and Middleton South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 16 March 2026

Debate

Member Defections: Automatic By-elections

Contribution

I am rather surprised that nobody has mentioned that there is a constitutional precedent for by-elections when situations change. It used to be the case that when Members were appointed to the Cabinet, they had to face a by-election. In my city, Manchester, there was a famous by-election when Winston Churchill had to stand again, and he lost. I think that was just before the first world war. Then, a change of circumstances meant a by-election. It is a very serious change of circumstances if somebody changes political parties. I am interested in the hon. Gentleman’s view on that constitutional precedent.

More from Graham Stringer

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Graham Stringer's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Graham Stringer report card.

Partner sites