CALLS have been made for a single anti-Brexit candidate to contest a Northern Ireland by-election if shamed MP Ian Paisley is forced to resign.
The MP is currently suspended by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) as it investigates his failure to declare two luxury holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government, for which he later lobbied.
Earlier this week, the Commons voted to suspend Paisley for 30 sitting days from September 4, but he could face a by election if 10% of his constituents sign a petition demanding one.
Over the coming days, Northern Ireland’s chief electoral officer will begin earmarking up to 10 venues across Paisley’s constituency, where those on the electoral register can sign a petition calling for his resignation.
The SDLP leader Collum Eastwood has written to the other Stormont party leaders suggesting they agree to put up a single anti-Brexit candidate who would oppose any legislation in the Commons that would see a hard Border. Claire Hanna, the party’s Brexit spokeswoman, said: “It’s imperative now that all of us work to ensure that a by-election is called and it is won by an MP that will represent the interests of people in Northern Ireland at this critical time
“That means only an MP who will go to Westminster and vote against the Tory Brexit can take the seat.”
The election of an anti-Brexit candidate would likely see the Prime Minister’s majority further reduced as her minority Government relies on the support of the DUP’s 10 MPs. At 20,643, Paisley has one of the biggest Westminster majorities. He won the North Antrim constituency last year with 58.9% of the vote, an increase of 15.6% on 2015.
Northern Ireland’s chief electoral officer, Virginia McVea, has 10 working days from July 25 to set up a petition of recall. Constituents will be able to vote via a postal vote on demand, by proxy, or in person at a designated centre. The petition will be open for six weeks. If 10% of constituents sign it a by-election process could start in the autumn.
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