Lib Dems to table "Dosser Dorries Bill" to force by-election

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Liberal Democrats are set to table a bill as soon as Parliament returns that could see Nadine Dorries suspended as an MP and a Mid Bedfordshire by-election triggered. 

The Liberal Democrats, who are the bookies' favourites to win the Mid Bedfordshire by-election, are set to lay down a “Dosser Dorries” motion to suspend Nadine Dorries for 10 days if she doesn't show up to Parliament by 14th September.

The party’s Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper is planning to table the motion on the first day of the parliamentary term on Monday 4th September. 

This is the latest bid to force Nadine Dorries to resign, and the Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to allow MPs to vote on it as soon as possible. If the motion is passed, a 10-day suspension would trigger a recall petition and allow her constituents to force a by-election.  

Commenting Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said:

“For months Nadine Dorries has treated the people of Mid Bedfordshire with contempt and taken them for granted. 

“As thousands of people struggle to get a GP appointment and face steep hikes to their mortgages, Nadine Dorries continues to be missing in action. What’s worse is that the Conservatives just don’t seem to care that they’re letting people down. 

“We need an end to this sorry saga, once and for all. Nadine Dorries must resign, if not then this Government must do the right thing and force her to. Every day that Rishi Sunak sits on his hands the people across Mid Bedfordshire are being failed.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Copy of the Motion to be tabled by Daisy Cooper:

Conduct of the Rt hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire 

That this House recalls that on 9 June 2023 the Rt hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire committed to stand down as a Member with immediate effect; notes that the Rt hon. Member remains a Member of this House; further notes that the Rt hon. Member has not spoken in the House for over a year and has not voted since April 2023; notes with concern that the people of Mid Bedfordshire are not being properly represented in this House; accordingly orders that the Rt hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire must attend the Chamber; and further orders that if she fails to do so by Thursday 14 September 2023 she shall be suspended from the service of the House for 10 sitting days, with effect from 18 September 2023.