MPs warned over Illsley case
The Speaker has told MPs they must not discuss the case of Eric Illsley "until judicial proceedings are concluded".
The MP for Barnsley Central yesterday chose to plead guilty to charges under the Theft Act relating to his expenses claim.
That means there is no need for a trial, but Illsley, who was a Labour MP until he was charged just after the election, is still to be sentenced.
Today he announced that he is to resign his seat.
Kevin Barron tried to raise the issue earlier, claiming there was "a huge amount of speculation" that Illsley would be expelled from the House.
Mr Speaker promptly told Barron to sit down, and left MPs in no doubt that the matter is sub judice and under Commons rules cannot be discussed on the floor of the House.
Much of the speculation centred around whether or not Illsley could continue as an MP.
The Representation of the People Act 1981 disqualifies MPs if they receive a custodial sentence of 12 months - however, Illsley could have been handed a shorter sentence, meaning he would have continued to be an MP when in prison.
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