5,000 signatures reached
To: UK Government
Require a By-Election When an MP Changes Party Affiliation
The Government should change the law so that a by-election is held when a Member of Parliament (MP) switches political party, or leaves their political party to sit as an independent.
Why is this important?
Voters elect Members of Parliament based not only on the individual candidate, but also on the policies, values, and manifesto of the political party they represent at the time of the election. When an MP changes party or becomes independent after being elected, it ignores what their constituents actually voted for.
Allowing MPs to change party allegiance without seeking re-election undermines trust in the democratic process and weakens accountability to voters. A by-election would give constituents the opportunity to either renew or withdraw their support based on the MPs new political alignment.
