In the constituency of Mid Bedfordshire, the absence of MP Nadine Dorries has sparked various opinions among the local residents. One man, with a grin and a snort, describes her as an “acquired taste” while strolling through Ampthill’s weekly market. Ms Dorries, the former culture secretary, announced her resignation in June after being overlooked for a peerage in Boris Johnson’s honours list. However, she has yet to formally quit, which means a by-election cannot be held. Despite not seeing her for years, one local bookstand owner sells her novels, acknowledging her parallel career as a writer. Another man recalls having met her on a few occasions, often outside Waitrose. However, some locals remain unsatisfied with her absence, remembering when she participated in the TV show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! back in 2013. Thousands signed a petition at the time, calling for a by-election. A few homemade posters near Flitwick’s train station criticize her absence and the salary she receives as an MP. Sky News’ attempts to reach out to Ms Dorries at her registered addresses in Worcestershire and the Cotswolds were unsuccessful. Additionally, text messages went unanswered, and phone calls were not answered. Her listed constituency office in Shefford could not be located either. The mayor of Flitwick claims that the MP has not held a surgery in the area for over three years, prompting calls for her resignation. While some believe that her new TV show and forthcoming book about Boris Johnson explain her absence, others feel that it is frustrating for the residents who expect her to prioritize their needs. Parliamentary records reveal that Ms Dorries has not spoken in the Commons since July of last year and hasn’t voted since April. She still employs her daughter as a paid assistant, according to her listings. Despite local dissatisfaction, constituents have limited recourse to force a resignation, as a recall petition can only be triggered under specific circumstances, such as criminal convictions or extended suspensions from the Commons. While there has been criticism from Downing Street, including remarks from Rishi Sunak and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, it is difficult to force her out without applicable circumstances. Senior Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant suggests utilizing an obscure Commons rule from 1801 to compel the MP to resign. Ms Dorries has previously indicated that she is waiting for further details regarding her exclusion from the peerage list before stepping down formally. Some speculate that she may be attempting to cause political disruption by triggering a by-election during the conference season. Despite the criticism, Ms Dorries still has her supporters in Ampthill, with one man stating that she had been treated unfairly by Rishi Sunak and praising her as an “excellent MP” when she is present in Parliament.