Fiona Onasanya MP may wear electronic tag in Commons after early release from prison

MP did not comment as she was driven out of HMP Bronzfield in Ashford in Surrey on Tuesday

MP Fiona Onasanya may have to wear an electronic tag in the House of Commons if she attends key Brexit votes, after being released from prison today one month into her sentence.

Jailed last month for perverting the course of justice, the Peterborough MP, who has been disowned by the Labour Party and refused to stand down as an MP, did not comment as she was driven out of HMP Bronzfield in Ashford in Surrey on Tuesday.

It means she will be able to attend crucial votes in the Commons on Wednesday on Theresa May's plans to take Britain out of the European Union.

Onasanya was convicted earlier this year after being found guilty of lying to the police over a speeding ticket. She was sentenced to three months in prison.

While the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) does not comment on individual cases, guidance available from the department makes clear a prisoner must serve at least a quarter of the sentence in prison before being eligible for Home Detention Curfew (HDC).

Those released on HDC are subject to close monitoring and strict licence conditions, including the use of electronic tags.

The Guardian reported that Onasanya, who is appealing her conviction, has been released after agreeing to wear a tag and sticking to curfew conditions.

Since being convicted, Labour has called for Onasanya to stand down as an MP, but the Peterborough MP has so far resisted and remained as Independent MP.

This is because her jail sentence did not meet the 12-month minimum for an instant dismissal, but a by-election can be triggered if a recall petition is signed by 10 per cent of the electorate.

Jurors at the Old Bailey heard earlier this year that Ms Onasanya colluded with her brother Festus after her car was clocked doing 41mph in a 30mph zone in the village of Thorney, near Peterborough, in July 2017.

Her brother received 10 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to three counts of perverting the course of justice over speeding, including over the July 24 incident.

Judges at the Court of Appeal in London will hear the case on 5 March, before deciding whether to allow the appeal to continue or refuse its progress.

The Independent has contacted Onsanya's office for comment.