Former Tory MP resigns triggering new by-election

Former Conservative MP Scott Benton has resigned, setting up a by-election to replace him in his Blackpool South constituency.

He was suspended as a Tory MP in April last year after he was filmed offering to lobby ministers for a fake company in a newspaper sting.

He was then banned from Parliament for 35 days, after an inquiry found he had broken Commons rules.

This triggered a recall petition, giving voters a chance to remove him.

They had until 22 April to decide, but now in a statement on Facebook, he announced he had officially tendered his resignation as an MP, meaning a by-election will be held to replace him.