LONDON MP MARK MENZIES TO QUIT AMID MISUSE OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS SCANDAL
LONDON — Mark Menzies, a Conservative Party member who was suspended over allegations of misusing campaign funds, has announced his decision to step down as an MP at the upcoming election.
Menzies has also confirmed his departure from the Tory Party, citing a “pattern of behavior that falls below the standards expected of MPs” as the reason for his exit. Despite an internal investigation finding no evidence of party fund misuse, Menzies has strongly refuted the accusations against him.
While there will be no immediate by-election to fill his seat, Menzies was suspended as a Tory MP following reports in the Times that he had requested £6,500 from a party activist to pay off individuals who had allegedly locked him in a flat during the early hours. Additionally, he was accused of using £14,000 in campaign funds for personal medical expenses.
In a statement, Menzies cited personal pressures as the reason for his resignation as the MP for Fylde in Lancashire, expressing a need for privacy for himself and his elderly mother during this challenging time.
The Conservative Party’s investigation into the allegations revealed that the funds in question had been approved by the signatories of the Fylde Westminster group, which operates independently from the party and its local association. While acknowledging shortcomings in the handling of local campaign donations, the party stated that no misuse of Conservative party funds could be confirmed.
Lancashire Police, although aware of the reports surrounding Menzies, have not received a formal complaint and will reach out to potential complainants in the future. The party has pledged to cooperate with any police investigations and raised concerns about Menzies possibly violating the Nolan principles that govern public office-holders.
As Menzies opts to continue as an independent MP until the next election, the absence of an immediate resignation means there will be no by-election held in the constituency. — BBC
