Submitted on Monday 19th January 2026
Rejected on Tuesday 10th February 2026
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: duplicate (see below for details)
Require MPs who defect to another party to face a by-election.
Require legislation so that when an MP defects to another political party during a Parliament they must seek a fresh mandate through a by-election. This would protect voter trust, prevent unapproved shifts in representation, and ensure democratic legitimacy.
When an MP switches party mid-Parliament, voters may end up represented by a party they did not choose. Many people vote based on party, manifesto and leadership, not just the individual. Defections can therefore erode trust and alter the political balance without consent. Requiring by-elections for party defection would give constituents a democratic say and help maintain legitimacy and accountability in our parliamentary system.
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The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
There's already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.
You are more likely to get action on this issue if you sign and share a single petition.
You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:
By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/737660
216.73.217.50 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:23:02 +0100
