What is a recall petition?

A recall petition lets voters remove their MP between elections if the MP has been found guilty of certain wrongdoing. If at least 10% of eligible voters sign within six weeks, the seat becomes vacant and a by-election is held. The system was created by the Recall of MPs Act 2015.

A petition can only be triggered in three situations. The first is when an MP is given a prison sentence, including a suspended one. The second is a Commons suspension of at least 10 sitting days or 14 calendar days. The third is a conviction for false expenses claims. Voters cannot start a petition just because they dislike their MP.

Once triggered, the petition is run by the local returning officer and stays open for six weeks. Voters can sign in person at designated places, by post or by proxy. Since 2023 people signing in person must show photo ID. If at least 10% of registered voters sign, the MP loses their seat but may stand in the resulting by-election. Signing is secret.

Several petitions have succeeded since the system began. Examples include Peterborough and Brecon and Radnorshire in 2019, and Rutherglen and Hamilton West and Wellingborough in 2023. Some campaigners want voters to be able to trigger recall themselves, as in some US states. Critics say that could be abused for political reasons. In several cases the seat then changed hands at the resulting by-election.