Disgraced ex-Tory MP Scott Benton has resigned forcing another crunch by-election for the Prime Minister.
The Blackpool South MP was facing the prospect of being removed from his seat by voters after being caught in a "toxic" lobbying scandal.
The Committee on Standards recommended he be banned from the House of Commons for 35 days, sparking a recall petition in his constituency.
It said his actions were an “extremely serious breach” of the rules and the message he gave to the undercover reporters was “that he was corrupt and ‘for sale’, and that so were many other Members of the House”.
His appeal over the suspension failed earlier this year. In a letter to his constituents on Monday, Mr Benton announced he was quitting his seat.
He said: “It's with a heavy heart that I have written to the Chancellor this morning to tender my resignation as your MP.
“I'd like to thank the hundreds of residents who have sent supportive messages, cards and letters over the last few months and who have urged me to continue and fight the next election.”
It will be his 12th since he become PM in October 2022. The Conservatives have failed to win all but one.
Mr Benton won a majority of just 3,690 at the 2019 general election and it is a key Labour target seat.
He added: “In 2019, I pledged to be an active, hardworking and relatable MP who would listen to your concerns and views and act upon them: I’d like to think that I have more than succeeded in that aim. It’s in the best interests of our community that my successor succeeds and I wish them well.”
