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Legislators

Mass Exodus from the House of Commons: At Least Half of MPs to be Swept Away at the General Election

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The general election is expected to bring about a significant clearing of the House of Commons, with at least 325 members of parliament set to depart due to forced resignations, retirements, and defeat at the polls. This would be the largest exodus since 1945, with up to 90 MPs voted out in the election. Research conducted by The Sunday Times and Professor Colin Rallings suggests that about 170 Labour MPs will not defend their seats, while 55 Conservatives are expected to retire. The expenses scandal has led to widespread public anger, with many MPs accused of profiting from their allowances.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 325 MPs will depart due to forced resignations, retirements, and defeat at the polls, the largest exodus since 1945.
  • Up to 90 MPs will be voted out in the election, with 170 Labour MPs not defending their seats and 55 Conservatives retiring.
  • The expenses scandal has led to widespread public anger, with many MPs accused of profiting from their allowances.
  • Six MPs have already been directly forced out by the scandal, with more resignations likely this week.
  • Senior Labour figures, including Harriet Harman and Jack Straw, are drawing up reforms to modernize parliament in the wake of the expenses row.
  • Consideration is being given to axing prime ministerial control over election timing.
  • The Liberal Democrats expect about five departures, and a similar number of MPs from minor parties will retire.
  • Party whips estimate that a further 35 MPs, mainly over the age of 60, will shortly announce their retirement.
  • Ian McCartney, the former Labour party chairman, has paid back £15,000 of expenses after buying a £700 dining table and chairs and sofas worth £1,328 at the taxpayers' expense.

Statistics:

  • 325 MPs set to depart due to forced resignations, retirements, and defeat at the polls.
  • Up to 90 MPs voted out in the election.
  • 170 Labour MPs not defending their seats.
  • 55 Conservatives retiring.
  • £15,000 paid back by Ian McCartney in expenses.
  • £700 spent on a dining table and chairs at the taxpayers' expense.
  • £1,328 spent on sofas at the taxpayers' expense.
  • 6 MPs already forced out by the scandal.
  • 35 MPs expected to retire shortly, mainly over the age of 60.
  • 5 Liberal Democrat departures expected.
  • 30 MPs from minor parties expected to retire.
  • 325 total number of MPs leaving the Commons.
  • 30 MPs leaving parliament due to "churn" - seats changing hands between the Lib Dems, nationalists, and main parties.

Sources:

  • The Sunday Times
  • Professor Colin Rallings, director of the elections centre at Plymouth University
  • Andrew MacKay, former chief political adviser to David Cameron
  • Charles Clarke, former home secretary
  • Ian McCartney, former Labour party chairman
  • Harriet Harman, Labour's deputy leader
  • Jack Straw, justice secretary

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