Convicted Tory MP Chris Davies awaits recall petition result

A Welsh Tory MP convicted over a false expenses claim will find out later if he has been unseated by a petition.

In March, Brecon and Radnorshire MP Chris Davies admitted faking invoices, at Southwark Crown Court.

A by-election will be triggered if 10% of the electorate in the constituency, 5,303 voters, have signed the petition.

The recall petition, which closed on Thursday, will be verified and counted at 10:00 BST, at Powys County Hall in Llandrindod Wells.

The result is expected soon afterwards. A petition officer will notify House of Commons Speaker John Bercow of the outcome before the outcome is made public.

Recall petitions are launched when MPs receive a custodial sentence - including suspended sentences, are barred from the Commons for 10 sitting days or are convicted of providing false information about their expenses.

Peterborough's former Labour MP Fiona Onasanya became the first MP to be unseated from the Commons in a recall petition in May after she was jailed for perverting the course of justice.

A recall petition has opened to decide if a Tory MP convicted for a false expenses claim will keep his seat.

Chris Davies tried to split the cost of photographs between two office budgets by faking invoices , when he could have claimed the amount by other means. Brecon and Radnorshire voters wanting to sign the petition will be able to do so until Thursday 20 June in six locations in the constituency. A by-election will be held if 10% of the electorate - 5,303 voters - sign. Mr Davies would be able to contest a by-election, if one takes place. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow confirmed the recall petition last month , after Mr Davies was given a community order of 50 hours unpaid work and a £1,500 fine, at Southwark Crown Court. In a statement, Mr Davies has apologised to his constituents for "making such an error", saying he very much hopes to continue serving Brecon and Radnorshire. Constituents can sign the petition at venues in Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Presteigne, Ysytradgynlais, Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell. Apart from Spring Bank ...

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