21.10.14
MPs to debate voter recall powers
Parliament is set to debate whether voters should have the “power of recall”, allowing the public to deselect an MP if they are found guilty of serious wrongdoing.
The government’s plans say an MP should be unseated if 10% of voters sign a petition, after the MP is sent to jail or given a prolonged Commons ban.
However critics argue it should be easier to start proceedings against unpopular politicians and David Cameron has said he would listen to proposed changes.
He told MPs: "I will look very carefully at all amendments that come forward because, frankly, in getting this Bill together we have come up with the minimum acceptable for recall, but I think there are a lot of very good arguments to be had about how we can go further, and I look forward to having them in the House of Commons."
Zac Goldsmith, a Tory backbench MP, believes the criteria for recall are “too narrow” and has suggested amendments that would allow an MP to be recalled if 5% of voters in a constituency sign a "notice of intent to recall" and 20% of voters then sign a "recall petition".
So far 68 MPs from all parties, including prominent Conservatives and Labour backbenchers as well as UKIP MP Douglas Carswell and Green MP Caroline Lucas, have backed Goldsmith's version.
Currently if an MP is given a prison sentence of more than 12 months they automatically lose their seat. The government plans would require the imposition of a prison sentence of up to 12 months or a ban from the Commons lasting more than 21 sitting days before a petition could be set up.
The petition would be open for eight weeks and if by the end 10% of eligible voters have signed it a by-election will be called.
The debate comes as YouGov publish a public poll that shows less than a quarter of people trust their MP to represent them in Parliament. More than 1,600 people were polled on whether they trusted their MP and only 24% said Yes.
In another survey, 86 of 100 MPs said they thought they were trusted by their constituents.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]