Jailed MP Faces Having Her Sentence Extended

Jailed Labour MP Fiona Onasanya could have her sentence increased after members of the public complained that it was too soft.

The ex-solicitor, who has been kicked out of Labour, was locked up for three months for perverting the course of justice after lying over a speeding ticket.

But the jail term is now being reviewed by Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, the Government’s chief law officer, under an unduly lenient sentencing scheme.

Within 24 hours of Onasanya’s jailing on Tuesday, his office received at least 20 complaints from members of the public who felt it wasn’t long enough.


If Mr Cox believes she should have been locked up for longer, he can refer the case to the Court of Appeal to be looked at again. His spokesman said last night: ‘We have received a request for the case of Fiona Onasanya to be considered. Law officers have 28 days from sentencing to consider the case.’

At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, Mr Justice Stuart-Smith said the sentence of the Peterborough MP was the ‘shortest I feel able to impose’. He added: ‘I make plain I will not treat you more severely because of your position as an MP and former solicitor.

‘There cannot be one law for those in positions of power, privilege and responsibility and another for those who are not.’