Ex-Tory MP to appeal proposed suspension over lobbying scandal

Politics

Former Tory MP Scott Benton has said he will appeal his recommended suspension from the House of Commons and intends to make a formal complaint over it.

The Blackpool MP was suspended from the parliamentary Tory party in April after being caught in a sting by The Times suggesting he would be willing to break lobbying rules for money.

Following an investigation into the matter, the Committee on Standards recommended a 35-day suspension from the House of Commons, paving the way for a potential by-election, saying he committed a “very serious breach” of the rules.

Responding for the first time to the Standards report, Mr Benton said: “I will today be submitting a formal complaint to the House Authorities, as well as appealing the decision of the committee in due course.”

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