TRUSTPOLITICS

Require AUTOMATIC by election if an MP changes party during a term of office

126
signatures
closedOffice of the Leader of the House of CommonsOpened 20 February 2025Closed 20 August 2025

Background

A petition to recall an MP is opened in three situations and a by-election forced so long as 10% of the electorate sign such a petition. However, if an MP changes party during a term of office there is nothing the constituents can do. We think there should be an automatic by election.

Additional details

The reason is that since the electorate voted that MP in as a representative of that party, if they stood for one.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Dunstable and Leighton BuzzardAlex Mayer
3
Didcot and WantageOlly Glover
2
East ThanetMs Polly Billington
2
TorbaySteve Darling
2
Kenilworth and SouthamSir Jeremy Wright
2
Bristol SouthKarin Smyth
2
Stalybridge and HydeJonathan Reynolds
2
Ossett and Denby DaleJade Botterill
2
BridgendChris Elmore
2
Rhondda and OgmoreChris Bryant
2
Mid CheshireAndrew Cooper
2
Bolton South and WalkdenYasmin Qureshi
1
Bristol North WestDarren Jones
1
BromsgroveBradley Thomas
1
Bristol North EastDamien Egan
1
Bolton North EastKirith Entwistle
1
Bermondsey and Old SouthwarkNeil Coyle
1
Brighton Kemptown and PeacehavenChris Ward
1
Coventry North WestTaiwo Owatemi
1
Brent EastDawn Butler
1

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 711480.