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Nine candidates run to replace MP who quit over sexual misconduct

Google Chester's Eastgate ClockGoogle
The City of Chester by-election will be held on 1 December

Nine candidates are to run in a by-election triggered by the resignation of an MP after "serious sexual misconduct" complaints.

City of Chester MP Christian Matheson quit after complaints against him were upheld by a parliamentary watchdog.

All three major parties have put forward candidates as well as the Green Party and the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.

The by-election is set to take place on 1 December.

Other parties which have nominated candidates include Reform UK, UKIP, Rejoin EU and the Freedom Alliance.

On 21 October, the Independent Expert Panel recommended Mr Matheson be suspended from the House of Commons for four weeks.

The panel upheld two allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr Matheson by a former member of his staff.

He allegedly invited her on a private trip abroad which was found to be "sexually motivated".

PA Media Christian Matheson on the General Election 2015 campaignPA Media
Mr Matheson, pictured during the 2015 general election campaign, said the matter had caused a great toll on his health

Mr Matheson admitted he had committed a minor breach of the code and tendered his resignation with "great sadness".

The full list of candidates running are:

  • Jeanie Barton - Reform UK
  • Paul Bowers - Green
  • Samantha Dixon - Labour
  • Cain Griffiths - UKIP
  • Rob Herd - Liberal Democrats
  • Richard Hewison - Rejoin EU
  • Howling Hope - Official Monster Raving Loony Party
  • Chris Quartermaine - Freedom Alliance
  • Liz Wardlaw - Conservative
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