Closed petition Trigger a by-election automatically if an MP changes parties

Closed on 30 May 2024

To introduce legislation that triggers an automatic by-election should an MP change their party allegiance.

If a sitting MP decides to switch party allegiance during a parliament (known as "crossing the floor"), we think this should trigger a by-election in that MP's constituency automatically.

A constituency candidate's party affiliation is often a primary factor in a voter's decision. Candidates stand on their party's values, policy and manifesto. It is widely understood by the electorate that a vote for a particular party's candidate is a vote for the party.

MPs are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. We think that by switching parties an MP abandons the policy platform they were elected on. We think it is only right that they seek a renewed mandate from their constituents.