Caught in a Sting

A Conservative MP, Scott Benton, is facing suspension from the Commons after being caught in a gambling lobbying scandal. Benton, who represents Blackpool South, was secretly filmed by undercover reporters from The Times offering to leak information about an upcoming government gambling crackdown in exchange for payment.

Violation of Commons Rules

Using his position as an MP to lobby on behalf of firms is against the rules of the Commons. Benton's actions were deemed to be an "extremely serious breach" by the Commons Standards Committee. The committee's report condemned Benton for suggesting that he and other MPs were corrupt and for sale, tarnishing the reputation of all MPs.

Recommendation for Suspension

The Standards Committee has recommended a 35-day suspension for Benton, which, if approved by a vote of MPs, could trigger a "recall petition" from his constituents. This petition could lead to a by-election, causing a potential headache for Rishi Sunak in the New Year.

Overall, Benton's involvement in the gambling lobbying scandal has raised serious concerns about the integrity of MPs and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such behavior in the future.