Tory MP Mark Menzies has announced his decision to step down at the next election and has resigned from the Conservative Party following allegations of misusing party funds.
Advertisement
The Fylde MP faced accusations of using party money to settle debts with undisclosed individuals.
While the Conservative Party acknowledged a “pattern of behaviour” falling below expected standards for MPs, it could not definitively determine if party funds were misused as the money came from a source outside its jurisdiction.
Mr. Menzies vehemently denied the allegations.
The MP’s suspension from the Conservative Party stemmed from claims reported in the Times, alleging he had solicited £5,000 from a party activist to settle debts with unidentified individuals in December.
Additionally, he was accused of using £14,000 in party funds to cover medical expenses.
Credit: BBC
In a statement, Mr. Menzies cited personal pressures, particularly concerning his elderly mother, as reasons for his decision to resign. He appealed for privacy for his family during this challenging time.
Advertisement
The Conservative Party’s internal investigation found that funds sent to Mr. Menzies were authorized by the Fylde Westminster group, beyond the party’s direct oversight.
However, it identified a consistent pattern of behavior falling below expected standards for public officeholders.
Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds called for a police investigation, prompting Lancashire Police to review the matter.
Ms. Dodds criticized the Conservative Party’s handling of the situation, demanding transparency regarding actions taken in response to the allegations.
Following the investigation’s conclusion, the Conservatives pledged to cooperate with any police inquiries and announced measures to enhance financial accountability within the party.
Mr. Menzies will continue to serve as an independent MP until the next election, negating the need for a by-election in the Fylde constituency.
Leave a Reply