Tory MP Scott Benton quits, triggering new byelection headache for Sunak

Blackpool South MP had been suspended over his role in a lobbying scandal, triggering a recall petition

Rishi Sunak is to face another tricky byelection in the coming weeks after the former Conservative backbencher Scott Benton quit parliament before the conclusion of a recall petition among his constituents.

The Blackpool South MP was facing likely ejection from the Commons after he was suspended for 35 days over his role in a lobbying scandal, triggering a process whereby local people could force a byelection if at least 10% of registered voters signed the petition.