Not another by-election !

12.56.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 26th Jun 2006

Local voters in Bromley and Chislehurst could face another by-election campaign in the Autumn, if Conservative candidate Bob Neill wins.

Mr. Neill is a paid member of the North-East London Strategic Health Authority. He is allowed to have this job as well as maintain his full-time position as a member of the London Assembly. But House of Commons rules say that the north London health job disqualifies him from being an MP.

The Conservative candidate had to sign a form saying that he was eligible to be an MP at the start of the campaign. In the event of him polling most votes, the result could be challenged in court. It would be open to anyone to say that he was wrong to have signed the form saying that he could stand.

Bromley & Chislehurst voters could then face a Summer long campaign with another by-election in the Autumn. The legal action would be based on Mr. Neill's initial statement. Mr. Neil, who also works as a barrister, might be expected to have known that he was not eligible to be an MP when he signed the form.

The Liberal Democrat agent in the by-election, Shaun Roberts, says that he hopes the situation will not arise. "People have been expressing their reluctance to elect a part-time MP who lives in London's east end. The idea of another by-election if he wins could be the final blow to Mr Neill's chances."

The health authority that has caused the problem for Mr Neill is due to be abolished on Friday. But the legal statement saying that you are not a member of any such bodies has to be signed at the beginning of the campaign. UKIP are believed to be preparing a legal challenge already.