MP could be struck off roll

Peterborough MP Fiona Onasanya could be struck off as a solicitor after a prosecution was launched by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority for ‘failing to act with integrity.’

A tribunal will take place to look at what - if any - disciplinary action will be taken by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA) following qualified solicitor Ms Onasanya’s conviction for perverting the course of justice in December last year, which resulted in a three month jail sentence.

Along with an allegation she failed to act with integrity, it is alleged she also failed to uphold the proper administration of justice and failed to behave in a way that maintains the trust the public places in her and the provision of legal services - all in connection with her conviction at The Old Bailey last year.

A spokesman for the SRA said: “The Solicitors Regulation Authority is prosecuting Fiona Onasanya at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.

“As stated, these are allegations and as yet unproven.”

A date has not yet been set for the hearing, which will take place at the Solicitor’s Disciplinary Tribunal in London.

For action to be taken, the tribunal would have to be sure beyond reasonable doubt the allegations were proven, and she breached the solicitor’s code of conduct.

Ms Onasanya denies she perverted the course of justice, and following her release from the prison sentence, she said she would continue to fight to clear her name, despite the Court of Appeal refusing her grounds to appeal last month.

If Ms Onasanya does succeed in overturning her conviction, the tribunal proceedings can be stopped or the disciplinary penalty, which could include an unlimited fine, suspension or being struck off - could be overturned.

While Ms Onasanya is still on the Solicitors’ Roll, she has been a ‘non practising solicitor’ since she decided not to renew her practising certificate in 2017 following her election as MP for Peterborough.

Recently, Ms Onasanya was cleared of discriminating against a former employee at an employment tribunal in Cambridge.

A recall petition, which could see her removed as Peterborough MP, will remain until Wednesday, May 1. If 10 per cent of registered voters in the Peterborough constituency - about 7,000 people - sign the petition, there will be a byelection.

The Peterborough Telegraph has contacted Ms Onasanya for comment about the new tribunal, but she has not responded.

Fiona Onasanaya