A by-election could be triggered in Peterborough after the disgraced MP Fiona Onasanya lost a challenge against her conviction for perverting the course of justice.

The 35-year-old former Labour Whip is to face a ‘recall petition’ in which her constituents are able to demand that a by-election is held.

John Bercow, the Speaker of the House, told MPs he is to write to Peterborough election officials to ask them to see whether the electorate there wants to hold an election.

A series of petitions will be made available to sign in her constituency. If more than 10 per - or 7,000 voters - back the move it will trigger a by-election.

Mr Bercow: “I have received a letter this afternoon from the Registrar of Criminal Appeals informing me that Fiona Onasanya's application for leave to appeal against her conviction has been refused.

“This now triggers the provisions of the Recall of MPs Act 2015 and I will accordingly be writing to the relevant petition officer to inform that person that Fiona Onasanya is therefore subject to a recall petition process.

“It will be for that officer to make the arrangements for the petition.”

However, Onasanya, who was expelled from the Labour Party after being found guilty of lying about a speeding ticket, can stand in any subsequent by-election as an independent candidate.