Eric Illsley to quit as an MP
By Ian Dunt
The former Labour MP facing jail over his expenses claims is to stand down, it has emerged.
The move brings to an end embryonic efforts from parliamentarians to have Eric Illsley kicked out, following the realisation that he could legally remain in the Commons if given a sentence of less than 12 months.
“I would like to apologise to my constituents, family and friends, following my court appearance, for the distress and embarrassment caused by my actions that I deeply, deeply regret,” he said in a statement.
“I have begun to wind down my parliamentary office, following which I will resign from parliament before my next court appearance. I will be making no further comment.”
Mr Illsley became an independent MP after being kicked out from the party over his expenses claims.
The decision means a by-election will be triggered in the safe Labour seat of Barnsley Central.
While Labour is certain to win the election, analysts are likely to interpret any drop in Tory or Lib Dem support as further evidence of public discontent over spending cuts.
Mr Illsley had a majority of 11,093.
His resignation means party officials will no longer be looking for ways to kick him out of parliament. MPs can vote to expel a member, and with both David Cameron and Ed Miliband making it clear he should go, that appeared likely to be the next course of action.
