By-election for Adams Westminster seat
A by-election is to take place in west Belfast, after Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams left Westminster to join the Dáil.
Mr Adams was re-elected with a 71% majority in West Belfast at the 2010 General Election, but never took his seat, because he refused to swear allegiance to the Queen.
The writ has now been moved in the House of Commons for a by-election to be held, after the Sinn Féin president topped the poll in the Louth constituency, winning a seat in the Dáil on the first count in February.
On Monday, government chief whip Patrick McLoughlin asked for permission to hold a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
Mr McLoughlin said: “Gerry Adams, since his election, has been appointed to the office of Crown Steward and Bailiff of Her Majesty’s Manor for Northstead in the County of York.”
The position is a way for MPs to step down as they are not permitted to resign from the House of Commons.
Mr Adams previously said he had not accepted the Crown post, which is a paid position.
In January, the Speaker of the House announced Mr Adams had been “disqualified from membership of the House” under the Disqualification Act 1975.
MPs approved Mr McLoughlin’s motion without a vote meaning a timetable will now be set for the by-election.
