PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
An immediate by-election to be called if an MP defects to another party.
A by-election after an MP defects is essential to democracy. Voters elect a party and its values, not just an individual. Changing allegiance breaks that mandate. A by-election restores trust, accountability, and gives constituents the right to choose their representation again.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
10
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 10/100,000
Background
The government should introduce a clear legal requirement that any MP who defects from the party they were elected under must trigger an automatic by-election. This would protect democratic mandates, uphold voter trust, prevent political opportunism, and ensure constituents always have a direct say when their representation fundamentally changes.