If a member of parliament changes party allegiance, a bi-election is held.
A bi-election should be held in a constituency if it's Member of Parliament changes party allegiance during their term. This could be moving from one party to another, joining a party from being an independent or becoming an independent.
Signatures
19
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 19/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 19/100,000
- 04 FEB 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action: By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/737660
- 16 JAN 2026Petition created
Background
The country is becoming increasingly partisan with constituent's votes often being decided by the party, so MPs changing party mid-term goes against this. The party whip will also change this MP's voting in the commons.
This can create disappointment with many voters and can feel they are being misrepresented.