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Another by-election for Rishi Sunak to defend is looming after MP Peter Bone was suspended for six weeks for bullying and sexual misconduct against a staff member.
MPs have approved the sanction against the MP for Wellingborough, who is sitting as an independent after losing the Conservative whip.
A recall petition will be arranged, which will trigger a by-election if signed by 10 per cent of voters in the Northamptonshire constituency.
Mr Bone has held the seat for the Conservatives since 2005 and retained it at the last general election with a majority of 18,540.
The MP “committed many varied acts of bullying and one act of sexual misconduct” in 2012 and 2013, according to Parliament’s Independent Expert Panel.
Mr Bone denies the allegations, insisting they are “without foundation”. He has vowed to continue representing his constituents.
By-elections last week in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire led to Labour victories over the embattled Conservatives.
A staff member of Mr Bone’s made five allegations about him in October 2021, including that he verbally belittled, ridiculed, abused and humiliated” his employee.
In his response to the panel’s findings, Mr Bone said: “As I have maintained throughout these proceedings, none of the misconduct allegations against me ever took place. They are false and untrue claims.”
More follows on this breaking news story....
