"U.K. MP Scott Benton's Lobbying Scandal Triggers Suspension and Potential By-Election"
MP Scott Benton is facing a 35-day suspension from parliament after being caught in a lobbying scandal. Undercover reporters posing as representatives of a fake investment fund recorded Benton offering to lobby ministers on behalf of the gambling industry and leak a confidential policy document for a monthly fee. The Commons standards committee deemed his actions an "extremely serious breach" and recommended the suspension. If approved, this could lead to a byelection in Benton's constituency of Blackpool South, a former Labour stronghold. Labour has already selected a candidate and hopes to win the seat.