Scott Benton could face a by-election if the punishment is backed.
A suspended Tory MP could face a by-election after being caught in a lobbying scandal.
Scott Benton, the MP for Blackpool South, lobbied ministers and tabled parliamentary questions for gambling investors.
The Commons Standards Committee said it is an ‘extremely serious breach’ of the rules and he could face 35 days suspension from the Commons.
The report said he told undercover reporters he was ‘corrupt and for sale’.
The report continued: ‘He communicated a toxic message about standards in Parliament. We condemn Mr Benton for his comments which unjustifiably tarnish the reputation of all MPs.’
Mr Benton, who served as chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Betting and Gambling at the time, argued he did not undertake activity that breached the rules.
He referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg when the allegations emerged.
Mr Benton said in a letter to the committee: ‘I do not consider my actions to be a breach of the rules: it is my view that I complied with the letter and the spirit of the rules.
‘The meeting was a lapse in judgment and I deeply regret my comments. I would like to again offer my unequivocal apologies for the inaccurate statements I have made.’
The report concluded Mr Benton ‘made statements that other members previously breached and/or circumvented the House’s rules and would be willing to do so in the future in return for payment’.
It said it was important ‘Parliament deals decisively with cases like the present one where a member shows themselves to be unworthy of the position they hold in public life’.
Mr Benton could face a by-election in his constituency if the Commons backs the punishment.
A suspension of more than 10 days would trigger a recall petition and if 10% of his constituents sign it a by-election would then be called.
He currently sits as an independent after having the whip withdrawn earlier this year because of the scandal.
Mr Benton holds a majority of 3,690 in his seat and has been the MP in Blackpool South since 2019.
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