Former Tory MP Scott Benton has been suspended from the Commons over his role in a lobbying sting – creating a further headache for Rishi Sunak.
MPs approved the suspension of Mr Benton, who had the Tory whip removed last April after suggesting to undercover reporters at The Times that he would be willing to break lobbying rules for money.
A subsequent investigation by parliament’s Standards Committee found he had committed a “very serious breach” of the rules and recommended a 35-day suspension from the Commons.
Mr Benton denied wrongdoing and appealed the suspension to the Independent Expert Panel (IEP), the body that sits above the Standards Committee.
Politics latest: Sunak backs Post Office chief
But in a ruling earlier this month, the IEP said they “found no substance” in his arguments and dismissed the appeal.
The length of the suspension means that Mr Benton is now facing a recall petition in his constituency of Blackpool South.
If 10% of his constituents sign the petition, then a by-election will be triggered in his seat.
It would take the number of by-elections held under Mr Sunak’s time as prime minister to 11.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.