A former Tory MP who was facing the prospect of being removed from his seat by voters has announced he is resigning from parliament – triggering another by-election.
Scott Benton, who represents Blackpool South, said it had been “the honour of a lifetime to represent our wonderful Blackpool 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.”
The move will likely trigger a by-election, unless Rishi Sunak calls a general election sooner.
