Call a by-election when an MP defects or is expelled from a party.

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

A UK parliamentary by-election happens when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant between general elections. This is either when an MP dies, is recalled via petition, convicted or joins the House of Lords. Yet they can change party or become an independent at a whim.

If an MP defects to another party or is expelled from a party or otherwise changes political affiliation from that that they were elected upon, this should trigger a by-election so that the people can give their say upon who they actually want to represent them.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

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
By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party

Timeline

17 Jan 2026	Petition opened for signatures
3 Feb 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 3 Feb 2026

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