It would not be opened if the last possible date for a general election is within six weeks, or if the MP's seat was already vacant (ie, if an MP resigns). If 10% of the electorat

Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has defended the decision to give Independent MP Mike Amesbury a suspended sentence, saying there is "no reason" for him to be in prison. Amesbury won his appeal against a 10-week prison sentence for assaulting a constituent,