The suspension of Peter Bone MP is not good news for the Conservative Party, especially since they have only managed to hold one seat in seven by-elections in 2023. There is a possibility that Britain could hold another by-election as a result of the suspension of the MP for Wellingborough, who has been accused of bullying and sexual misconduct towards a staff member.
The incidents of bullying that were reported include violence, shouting, swearing, mocking, belittling, humiliating behavior, and ostracism, often happening in front of others. Mr. Bone has appealed the decision made by the Independent Expert Panel (IEP), denying that the incidents took place. However, the panel has dismissed his appeal and recommended a six-week suspension.
The length of the suspension is significant because it surpasses the ten-day threshold that would trigger a recall petition. This means that if at least 10 percent of voters sign the petition, a by-election will take place in Wellingborough. This further adds to the Conservative Party’s concern as they have only managed to hold one seat in seven by-elections this year.
The departure of former prime minister Boris Johnson triggered a series of resignations among Tories, including Christopher Pincher, Nadine Dorries, and Nigel Adams. As a result, by-elections were held in their respective constituencies, and all three seats were taken over by the opposition.
Overall, in 2023, Labour gained four seats through by-elections and retained one seat in West Lancashire. This poses a potential challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who will lead the party in the next general election. The Conservative Party’s majority in the House of Commons has already decreased from 365 seats to 352 since the last election.
The suspension of Mr. Bone serves as another blow to the Tory grip on power in Westminster. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden acknowledges that any by-election for a government that has been in power for 13 years will be challenging. He remains confident in the vision and leadership of Rishi Sunak as the potential future prime minister.
However, a voting intention poll by IPSOS indicates that 44 percent of voters would support Labour in the next general election, compared to 24 percent for the Conservatives. This further emphasizes the potential impact of a by-election in Wellingborough, which could contribute to the continuous exodus of Conservative MPs and strengthen the opposition’s hold on power.
The shadow leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, suggests that Mr. Bone should resign to spare his constituents the disruption of a recall petition. She believes that the people of Wellingborough deserve an MP they can be proud of, and that only Labour can bring the change the country needs.
Market research consultancy, Savanta UK, predicts that Mr. Bone’s seat of Wellingborough would switch to Labour in a general election, with 47 percent supporting Labour and only 35 percent backing the Conservative Party to hold the seat. This further reinforces the potential consequences of the suspension and its impact on the upcoming elections.