Yahoo News Tory MP sacked by Welsh constituents over false expenses claims
Welsh voters have forced a by-election following a successful petition to recall a Conservative MP over two false expense claims.
The petition secured the signatures of more than 10% of registered voters in Chris Davies’ Brecon and Radnorshire constituency.
He is the first Welsh MP to face a recall petition - and the second politician in a matter of months after Labour MP Fiona Onasanya was also kicked out by constituents.
The Tory was convicted after he admitted to submitting two false expenses invoices for landscape photographs to decorate his new office in 2015.
He was fined £1,500, ordered to pay £2,500 towards legal costs and told to carry out 50 hours of community service.
The recall petition opened on May 9 and Mr Davies’ constituents have had six weeks to sign it before it closes yesterday.
Around 5,600 signatures were required to force him out of his seat.
In total, some 19% of the electorate signed the petition.
Davies will be allowed to stand for re-election if he chooses.
He held the seat at the 2017 General Election, with a majority of just over 8,000. The Liberal Democrats finished second.
Davies, 51, first won the seat in 2015.
The verification of the petition took place at County Hall in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, on Friday morning.
Read more from Yahoo News UK:
Boris Johnson one step closer to becoming Prime Minister
'Neo-nazis' paint swastikas on walls of occupation bunker in Jersey
Black cab rapist John Worboys admits to four additional sex attacks
Recall petitions are launched when MPs receive a custodial sentence, including suspended sentences, are barred from the Commons for 10 sitting days or are convicted of providing false information about their expenses.
Peterborough’s former Labour’s Onasanya became the first MP to be unseated from the Commons in a recall petition in May after she was jailed for perverting the course of justice.
