DISGRACED MP Eric Illsley yesterday confirmed he would resign his seat after intense pressure from colleagues in the House of Commons, triggering a second potentially troublesome byelection for the UK’s ruling coalition government.
The MP, whose seat is Barnsley Central in the north of England and who was suspended by the Labour Party after being charged, has since been sitting as an independent in the Commons.
He pleaded guilty yesterday to defrauding the parliamentary expenses system of £14,500 and is likely to face a prison sentence next month. The decision to quit follows calls for him to go from the prime minister, David Cameron, and the Labour leader, Ed Miliband.
It also comes amid behind-the-scenes pressure exerted by many parliamentary colleagues who want to avoid resorting to procedures to eject an MP that remain untested in parliament in modern times. The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, refused to answer questions on the situation earlier.
Mr Illsley issued a statement apologising to his constituents, family and friends, saying he “deeply, deeply” regretted his actions. – (Guardian service)