Sacked Wellingborough MP Peter Bone filmed campaigning for partner

Sacked MP Peter Bone has been filmed by the BBC campaigning for his partner who is standing for his old seat.

The by-election was triggered following Mr Bone's suspension from the House of Commons over bullying and sexual misconduct claims.

Mr Bone, who was also suspended from the Conservative Party, has denied the allegations.

Asked why he was out canvassing for his partner, Helen Harrison, he denied he was suspended from the party.

Ms Harrison was selected as the Conservative candidate for Wellingborough on Sunday.

North Northamptonshire Council confirmed the Wellingborough by-election would be held on 15 February.

On Wednesday night, the BBC filmed Mr Bone as he canvassed residents in Rushden.

Carrying what appeared to be party literature, Mr Bone was overheard asking a resident at the door, "Are you normally Labour, Liberal, Conservative?"

Asked by the BBC whether he was out campaigning for Ms Harrison, Mr Bone said: "Yes, I think that's rather obvious.

"We're out canvassing tonight.

"What gave you the idea I was a suspended party member? I'm not a suspended party member."

The Conservative Party told the BBC on 20 December that Mr Bone was suspended.

A spokesman said on Thursday: "During an investigation by the PSC, Mr Bone had his membership suspended. That investigation has since concluded, and Mr Bone is no longer an MP."

The former MP's suspension from Parliament had been recommended by the Independent Expert Panel (IEP), which found Mr Bone broke sexual misconduct rules.

The watchdog also upheld five allegations of bullying.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830