Blackpool South MP Scott Benton has resigned after being found to have broken lobbying rules.

The former Conservative – who was booted out of the party after being caught by undercover journalists offering to lobby ministers – was facing a recall petition in his seat, but has now quit Parliament.

It means a by-election will be held in the seaside seat, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak facing the prospect of another by-election loss.

In a post on his Facebook page, Benton said: "It's with a heavy heart that I have written to the Chancellor this morning to tender my resignation as your MP.

"I'd like to thank the hundreds of residents who have sent supportive messages, cards and letters over the last few months and who have urged me to continue and fight the next election.

“As your MP I have always sought to do what I believed to be in the best interests of Blackpool, and of our country.

“The most enjoyable part of the job has been being able to meet so many of you, either on the doorstep, or at the over 650 different charities, voluntary groups, sports clubs, churches and businesses I have visited.

“I will always cherish being able to contribute towards, and to see, the brilliant work which goes on, often by unsung heroes, in our community.”

Benton, a former primary school teacher, councillor and parliamentary assistant, was elected to Blackpool South in 2019 as part of Boris Johnson’s sweep of the traditional Red Wall over the issue of Brexit.

In April 2023, The Times filmed Benton offering to leak confidential information and lobby ministers in return for payments, after undercover reporters approached him posing as investors from the gambling industry.

He referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who opened an investigation, and he had the Tory whip suspended.

The Commons Standards Committee concluded Benton had committed a “serious breach” of lobbying rules and given the message he was “corrupt and for sale”, and recommended he be suspended from the house for 35 days – long enough to trigger a recall petition.

Benton appealed the decision but was unsuccessful, and last month MPs voted to suspend him.

However before the recall petition had time to close, he quit.

The formal process of his resignation is expected to go before the House of Commons tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26), with the by-election expected to be held on Thursday, May 2, the same day as local elections.