Petition
An immediate by-election to be called if an MP defects to another party.
Rejected
10 signatures
What the petition asks
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.
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.
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
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
| 19 Jan 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 12 Feb 2026 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
10
Status
Rejected
Rejected
12 Feb 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Aug 2026.