Gambling sting MP resigns to trigger by-election in Blackpool South
Scott Benton confirms decision on Facebook nearly 12 months since The Times caught the former Tory MP offering to provide journalists with government documents
Former Conservative MP Scott Benton has resigned, in a move that will trigger a by-election in his Blackpool South constituency.
Benton, who was caught in a faux gambling sting in April 2023, lost his appeal against a 35-day suspension from the House of Commons in February.
The MP had originally appealed against a decision from the Committee on Standards which had judged Benton to have committed a “very serious” breach of parliamentary rules.
Benton had suggested he could procure the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review ahead of publication for two Times journalists who were posing as an Indian business looking to become involved in the UK betting industry.
His appeal fell through after an independent panel said his claims had “no substance” and that the original imposed sanction was “neither unreasonable nor disproportionate”.
The 35-day ban had opened a process in which had 10% of Blackpool South’s registered voters signed a recall petition, a by-election would have been called.
However, Benton has taken the decision into his own hands, and confirmed his resignation on Facebook, bringing an end to his tenure.
He said: “It’s been the honour of a lifetime to represent our wonderful community in Parliament over the last four years.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I have written to the Chancellor this morning to tender my resignation as your MP.
“I’d like to thank the hundreds of residents who have sent supportive messages, cards and letters over the last few months and who have urged me to continue and fight the next election. The support that so many local people have given to me has made it all worthwhile,” he added.
The BBC has reported a by-election could take place on 2 May, on the same day as several mayoral and local elections across the country.
Benton did not make reference to the gambling sting in his Facebook post.
He concluded: “In 2019, I pledged to be an active, hardworking and relatable MP who would listen to your concerns and views and act upon them: I’d like to think that I have more than succeeded in that aim. It’s in the best interests of our community that my successor succeeds and I wish them well.”