[Livia]

Originally Posted by joeysteele

I feel sure there will be a by election, it's not that easy to get rid of a sitting MP though, many Labour MPs in the 80s suddenly became SDP MPs and the party could do nothing about that apparantly from the books I have read.

He also has not had his trial yet either so like some of the expenses scandal MPs he could stay put until the very last minute. Unless the new parliamentary legislation now allows a party to sack, de-select a person and hold a by election, but can a legitimate result of an election be considered void due to improper conduct as yet not tried or convicted on.

On that point,until I research it more, over to the great Livia who will know far more on that one than myself at this time.I will bow to her vast knowledge on these matters.

Once an MP (or councillor) leaves or is expelled from the party, they may be able to continue to the next election as an independent. The party can expel an MP for bringing the party into disrepute... by, for instance, being arrested for punching someone in the Commons bar. They'll probably keep him suspended until he's found guilty and then expel him. A by-election can be forced though.

Actually, I met someone this morning who was in the army with Eric Joyce and said he was an monumental c*ck then, and it's pretty clear that he's a monumental c*ck still.