An immediate by-election to be called if an MP defects to another party.

An immediate by-election to be called if an MP defects to another party. — 10 signatures. Status: rejected.

Petition background

A by-election after an MP defects is essential to democracy. Voters elect a party and its values, not just an individual. Changing allegiance breaks that mandate. A by-election restores trust, accountability, and gives constituents the right to choose their representation again.

Additional details

The government should introduce a clear legal requirement that any MP who defects from the party they were elected under must trigger an automatic by-election. This would protect democratic mandates, uphold voter trust, prevent political opportunism, and ensure constituents always have a direct say when their representation fundamentally changes.

View this petition on the official UK Parliament website

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