News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Fiona-Onasanya-outside-court-main_article_image.jpg
PA
UK News

New petition could unseat disgraced Christian MP

The recall petition could force Fiona Onasanya out of her Peterborough constituency and pave the way for a by-election, if ten per cent sign it.

The 35-year-old served 28 days of a three-month sentence for perverting the course of justice after she was convicted for lying about a speeding offence.

Ms Onasanya, who posted a video on Monday in which she insisted upon her innocence, has continued to receive her £77,000 salary.

If a by-election is called, rules allow her to stand for re-election. Constituents have six weeks to sign the petition, which closes at 5pm on 1st May.

Ms Onasanya was elected for Labour in Peterborough in 2017. She was expelled from the party following her conviction.

She has been the second MP to face a recall petition since the procedure was introduced in 2015. It gives voters a way of removing MPs in between elections.

Ian Paisley Jr, also a Christian, avoided a by-election when a recall petition was launched in his constituency last year.

The North Antrim MP was temporarily suspended from Parliament for failing to declare a holiday which was funded by the government of Sri Lanka.

Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Ms Onasanya was not automatically removed as an MP because her sentence was less than twelve months. She has resisted calls to resign.

Recall petitions are used when an MP receives a custodial sentence (including suspended sentences), is banned from the House of Commons for ten sitting days or is found guilty of providing false information about their expenses.

According to a YouGov survey conducted in January, 81 per cent of 4,000 people polled believed Ms Onasanya should quit.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

Tell us what you think about our news service, what you want and how Premier fits into your news landscape. Take our quick survey!

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate