MP Peter Bone's Wellingborough constituents look to by-election

Wellingborough MP Peter Bone, who denies the allegations, has represented Wellingborough since 2005

The people of Wellingborough could soon be going to the polls after Conservative MP Peter Bone was suspended from the House of Commons. A report found he bullied and was sexually inappropriate to a former member of staff. He denies the allegations. What do his constituents in Northamptonshire want ahead of a likely by-election?

Carol Tate found the allegations "a bit of a shock"

Carol Tate, who works in early years education, backs calls for a by-election and said: "It was a bit of a shock to hear somebody in that position could be doing something like that."

The 55-year-old, who has lived in the town all her life, hopes a new MP would deliver more shops, especially clothes and children's retailers.

Mr Bone first entered Parliament in 2005 and turned Wellingborough from an ultra-marginal into a safe Conservative seat in the last general election.

Clara Partridge believes Peter Bone is "a great man"

"I think it's a load of rubbish - it's a shame," said Clara Partridge, 69, who has worked in the NHS and private sector since 1976.

"He's been a great support to the NHS, he has helped me in the past and I think he's a great man."

She added: "I don't think we need a by-election, he should remain in his seat."

James Condley wants Wellingborough constituents to decide whether or not they need a new MP

James Condley, who moved from Northampton to the town a few months ago, wants "the people to decide" whether the 70-year-old remains an MP.

The 34-year-old event organiser believes suspending the MP was the right thing to do.

"They're elected officials, they represent the people - people in other walks of life wouldn't get away with it and so just because someone's in Parliament, they shouldn't get a free pass," he said.

A by-election would be held if at least 10% of local voters sign a recall petition.

Matt Collinson feels it is time for a new MP

Matt Collinson, 55, said: "If what he's been accused of is true then he should definitely toddle off.

"He's been in his seat for a long time now so I think it would be good for new eyes, a new person."

The account manager in sales added: "I always find it quite depressing that people in power take advantage of it, so the fact that he's been accused of bullying and and sexual misconduct, you just think [it] shouldn't be happening."

Who is Peter Bone?

• The 70-year-old has been active in Tory politics since the 1970s but did not make it to the Commons until 2005

• A prominent Brexit-supporter, he campaigned with Nigel Farage in the 2016 referendum

• Turned Wellingborough from an ultra-marginal into a safe Conservative seat, with an 18,540 majority at the 2019 election

• A leading voice on the right of the party, he briefly served as deputy Commons leader under Boris Johnson

• Was known for jokey references in Parliament to his wife Jenny as "Mrs Bone" - but the couple split in 2016 and he is reportedly in a new relationship

Louise Collinson believes it is time for someone who can "support the needs of Wellingborough"

Mr Collinson's wife, Louise Collinson, 52, felt Mr Bone "doesn't deserve to keep his seat".

She added: "It's not great because our MP is here to take our ideas and our thoughts to Parliament and to act on our behalf, and it's not great that he's done this to Wellingborough - he needs to go away."

The trainee therapist hopes a new MP would "get some fresh ideas into Wellingborough".

Asma Bibi hopes "we can do better"

"I think it's the right thing to do to suspend him and maybe replace him with someone that's trustworthy, who we are comfortable with, who I feel safe with," said nurse Asma Bibi who has been following the news closely.

She feels "quite strongly" that Mr Bone no longer deserves to keep his seat.

The 35-year-old said: "With everything going on globally, I think we can do better in terms of having someone better representing Wellingborough."