Change the law to trigger a by-election when an MP defects to another party.
Current UK electoral process allows an MP to switch parties once elected, betraying the confidence voters put in them.
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
- 01 MAY 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign this petition which calls for a similar action: Require a by-election if MPs / Councillors change parties or become independent https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/757091
- 06 APR 2026Petition created
Background
To stop injustice of political party (A) being allowed to increase influence by poaching constituencies won by party (B). In such cases voters are left feeling deceived, and their voices, muted. The change in law would help improve voter confidence, and encourage increased voter turnout out, which has been getting progressively worse. 2019 average turnout all regions (England, Wales, NI) 66.7% turnout. 2024 59.1%
( % data House of Commons Library)