THE decision by Lisa Cameron MP to leave the SNP and join the Conservatives raises a general question of constitutional importance: Should an MP who…
and join the Conservatives raises a general question of constitutional importance: Should an MP who “crosses the floor” be allowed to remain in office? Or should they be required to face a by-election?The first is the “representative principle”. Traditionally, this has prevailed, not only in the United Kingdom but across other Commonwealth jurisdictions.
This traditional representative view has been challenged, generally by those on the left, who have held to a more delegatory principle of parliamentarianism. According to the delegatory principle, a parliamentarian is not supposed to rely upon their own judgement but to carry out the will of those who have elected them.
The delegative principle makes the democratic part of parliamentary democracy possible. It enables voters to choose between manifestos and policy programmes and thereby gives people a degree of control over the direction of public affairs. If we adhered only to the representative principle, each parliamentarian would be chosen as an individual free to exercise their own judgment; voters would have no ability to give them a mandate to pursue particular objectives.
If we adhered only to the delegative principle, there would be no real point in having parliamentarians at all; every vote would be a foregone conclusion. In particular, a parliamentarian should never be at risk of losing their seat merely for rebelling against the party line, nor for having the whip withdrawn, where there is no voluntary and deliberate act of changing party.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MP Lisa Cameron forced into hiding after defecting from the SNP to the Conservative PartyDr Cameron says she was told 'I hope you burn' and 'I hope someone throws a brick at you in the street', among a series of threats received over email.
Read more »
MP Dr Lisa Cameron who defected to Tories 'forced into hiding'Former SNP MP Dr Lisa Cameron says she has received threatening messages since switching party.
Read more »
MP Dr Lisa Cameron who defected to Tories 'forced into hiding'Former SNP MP Dr Lisa Cameron says she has received threatening messages since switching party.
Read more »
SNP defection an ‘odd tantrum’ by MP facing de-selection, says party presidentLisa Cameron announced on Thursday she was quitting the SNP for the Conservatives.
Read more »
SNP defection an ‘odd tantrum’ by MP facing de-selection, says party presidentLisa Cameron announced on Thursday she was quitting the SNP for the Conservatives.
Read more »
Jeremy Clarkson's girlfriend Lisa Hogan gives exciting Clarkson's Farm update as she teases show...Taking to Instagram, Lisa, 51 - who has been in a relationship with Jeremy, 63, for six years - posted a photograph of the film crew having a discussion and teased the future of the Amazon Prime show
Read more »