Paisley is facing first MP recall petition
DEMOCRATIC Unionist Ian Paisley could be the first MP to lose his seat under legislation introduced by the former coalition government in the wake of the MPs’ expenses scandal.
It comes after MPs voted to suspend Paisley from sitting at Westminster for 30 days for failing to declare two family holidays which were paid for by the Sri Lankan government.
The Recall of MPs Act 2015 was created to allow constituents to force a by-election in cases of serious misconduct.
Under the legislation, a recall petition is opened if an MP receives a prison sentence, is suspended from the Commons for 10 or more sitting days or is convicted of making a false allowance claim.
The petition remains open for six weeks and if at the end of that period, it has been signed by at least 10 per cent of the electorate in the constituency, the MP then loses their seat and a by-election is triggered.
The recalled MP can stand again as a candidate – as Paisley has said he will do if he is recalled.
Once the petition is open, individuals and and organisations can campaign for or against it.
Spending during the petition period is limited to £500 for non-registered campaigners and £10,000 for registered campaigners, including political parties.