Hello everyone,

Unsurprisingly(?) we have now broken 3,000 signatures! Thank you everyone. Change tells me the next target is 5,000. I think we can do it, the question is how long will it take...

This story caught my eye today: Policing boss challenged over Reform UK defection regarding Leicestershire and Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner's defection to Reform. Turnout in the election was a pathetic 21.7%, and the incumbent won by a mere 860 votes which equates to a miniscule 0.1% of the electorate. 

Of course, Mr. Matthews said he would not call a by-election and trots out the tired trope of, "The mandate (0.1%!) belongs to the person not the political party." As with Mr. Kruger, if that is the case, then why did he not stand as an independent? Because of course, being aligned to a party brings many benefits. Since party affiliation it is so important, it goes without saying that a defection breaks that agreement with the electorate, who therefore deserves to have a say in the matter.

I'm minded of the other argument around cost to re-run an election in such circumstances but I remember the 2021 Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner by-election that came about because the elected Commissioner had to withdraw due to an undeclared drink driving conviction in 1993 that disqualified him for standing. The turnout did halve (down to 16.63%!) when it was re-run and was a much closer race as a result, with the Independent candidate Mike Rees giving the Conservative replacement Philip Wilkinson a scare. If people are voting for the person, rather than the party, how come the Conservative candidate was elected again? Is it true that the party affiliation had nothing to do with it? Hmmm... Talking of Mr. Wilkinson, I wonder how long it will be until we see him jump ships? Anyway, the cost was estimated to be £1 million but it was necessary, just as it is if an elected representative defects.

Perhaps a change to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 is also required to force a by-election in the event of a defection along with a change to the Recall of MPs act? How wide does this go? County councils? Mayors? Where else?

Yours,

Craig