RECENTLY in Parliament Karen Lumley voted in favour of both the Government’s Recall Bill and an amendment by her colleague Zac Goldsmith MP.

Under the government-backed plans, a recall petition would be opened when an MP is convicted in the UK of an offence and receives a custodial sentence of 12 months or less (for more than 12 months an MP is automatically expelled); or the House of Commons orders the suspension of an MP for at least 21 sitting days.

To be successful a recall petition will need to be signed by at least 10 per cent of the registered voters in the MP's constituency, after which the MP's seat would become vacant and a by-election held.

Mrs Lumley supported Zac Goldsmith MP’s amendment to introduce ‘genuine’ recall. Under his proposals if an agreed percentage of eligible voters (minimum 20 per cent) signed a petition calling for their MP to be 'recalled', a referendum would be held. If more than half of those taking part voted for their MP to be recalled, a by-election would then follow.

She was one of 166 MPs who voted in favour of the additional recall powers suggested by Mr Goldsmith but the amendment was defeated with 340 voting against.

The government-sponsored Recall of MPs Bill will now continue to be scrutinised by the Commons before progressing to the House of Lords.

Mrs Lumley said: “One of the greatest problems that Westminster faces is the collapse of trust in politics, and politicians. The Government proposals are of course a step in the right direction but I do not believe they go far enough and am disappointed that more of my colleagues did not agree.

"Under the Government's proposals an MP could break all pre-election promises, switch party, refuse to see constituents, all without qualifying for recall. I am perfectly relaxed about the idea that my constituents could recall me. I believe I have a strong record of working hard for the people of Redditch and am happy to be judged on this at any time - not just whenever an election comes around."