MP Scott Benton faces suspension from Commons after being caught in gambling lobbying scandal
RED Wall MP Scott Benton today lost his appeal against a 35-day Commons ban.
Rishi Sunak now faces another bruising by-election with Mr Benton set to be suspended after being stung in a gambling lobby scandal.
The Blackpool South MP was caught by undercover Times reporters saying he could leak an upcoming government gambling crackdown White Paper and raise the issue in Parliament in return for payment.
Benton was secretly filmed in April last year promising “behind the scenes” information and bragged about his “easy access to Ministers”.
An MP using their position to lobby on behalf of firms is against Commons rules.
Following a probe, the Standards Committee recommended a Benton receive a 35-day suspension from the Commons.
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But Mr Benton appealed the punishment, arguing parliament’s sleaze watchdog “did not adhere to its own standards and principles” because a report into his misconduct was leaked to the media.
But an independent panel rejected the claim.
If approved by a vote of MPs, the punishment is strong enough for his constituents to trigger a “recall petition” that paves the way for a byelection.
It potentially tees up a another by-election headache for Rishi Sunak who once again would face a test at the ballot box.
The Commons Standards Committee said Mr Benton’s actions were an “extremely serious breach” of the rules.
Its report blasted him for suggesting “that he was corrupt and ‘for sale’, and that so were many other Members of the House”.
It added: “He communicated a toxic message about standards in Parliament. We condemn Mr Benton for his comments which unjustifiably tarnish the reputation of all MPs.”