Wellingborough by-election - first interview with Peter Bone's girlfriend, Helen Harrison, as she bids to replace him as MP

She admitted it had been an ‘unpleasant process’ but has been busy knocking on doors and campaigning after being chosen as the candidate in his former constituency.

With other hopefuls launching their by-election campaigns with placards, buses and town centre offices, Ms Harrison has tried to shake off the baggage brought by her relationship with Mr Bone.

She said: “Obviously it’s been a deeply unpleasant process. Peter has consistently made it clear the allegations against him are false and unfounded and as his partner I’m one of the small number of people who has actually seen all of the evidence...and I believe the allegations to be untrue.”

Ms Harrison disclosed that the parliamentary authorities had insisted she sign a confidentiality agreement preventing her from disclosing further details.

Questioned whether she agreed with Peter Bone’s assessment of the recall petition process as ‘bizarre’, she defended his point of view regarding the rules – legislation that Mr Bone voted for.

She said: “In recall petitions there’s nothing you can do as the sitting MP facing the recall petition to do anything that might create a different effect of that outcome. You just have to sit quietly and wait for it to happen.

“Around 10,000 people voted for it, 67,000 chose not to. I think what Peter meant was that the rules around the recall are the bizarre part – that a mere 10 per cent of people can make such a decision has in effect ended his career.” Ms Harrison also addressed the national newspaper report that said Mr Bone threatened to stand as an independent unless Ms Harrison was on the shortlist for his seat.

She said: “The truth...is that we were contacted by people within the party and it was suggested Peter could resign before the recall petition started and it was suggested by those people I would be in the final selection... We turned that option down and Peter allowed the recall petition to go ahead.”

Ms Harrison, a chartered physiotherapist, said: “I think...locally I’ve absolutely proved myself politically.”

Editor’s note: Since publishing this original story, The Health and Care Professions Council has contacted the Northants Telegraph to say that Helen Harrison is not registered with them as a physiotherapist. She is therefore unable to advertise as a, or use the title of, physiotherapist. Third parties are also unable to describe her as a physiotherapist.