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Former Conservative MP Scott Benton may face a by-election after the House of Commons considers suspending him for 35 days due to serious misconduct

The Standards Committee accused him of implying his corruption by offering lobbying services for payment to undercover reporters.

Benton, now an independent MP after losing the Tory whip in April, could trigger a recall petition and subsequent by-election in Blackpool South if over 10% of his constituents sign it.

This puts further pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who has already seen his party lose four by-elections.

Benton's seat, which only has a 3,690 majority and was previously Labour-held, could easily revert.

Despite Benton's insistence on his adherence to rules, the committee's report branded his actions as damaging to Parliament's integrity.

Labour and Conservative representatives have criticized Benton's conduct as part of a broader context of misconduct within the Tory party.