Police say they are reviewing “information” about former Conservative MP Mark Menzies after Labor called for an investigation into allegations he misused party funds.
He wrote to Lancashire Police asking for an investigation after The Times reported that Labor Party leader Anneliese Dodds made late-night calls to aides seeking funds. Pay back money to “bad guys”.
Mr Menzies told the newspaper he disputed the allegations against him.
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Mark Menzies, MP for Fylde.Photo: British Parliament
Lancashire Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that we have now received a letter detailing the concerns surrounding this matter and we are reviewing the available information in more detail.”
Mr Menzies lost conservative party Westminster whips are investigating the claims after the party reported them on Wednesday night.
Losing the whip means Mr Menzies will no longer be a Conservative parliamentary member and will sit in the House of Commons as an independent rather than a Conservative MP.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “The party is investigating these claims and has been doing so for several months.
“If the police feel that any information would be helpful to the investigation they decide to carry out, we will of course share it with them. The suggestion that the party is not seriously investigating this matter is patently false.”
It is understood that the Labor Party chairman said in a letter to Lancashire Police that the Conservative chief whip, the whip’s office and headquarters may have information that could assist the investigation.
The letter also contends that officials are investigating the matter to ensure public confidence in politicians, which is clearly in the public interest.
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Mel Stride, the government’s work and pensions secretary, told Sky News this morning that the matter was being “investigated thoroughly”.
He added: “Tory Party headquarters is now investigating the circumstances of the various reports very closely, while Mark Menzies’ whip has been removed.”
Labour’s shadow minister Matthew Pennycook told Sky News: “There are a series of questions about whether there has been criminal conduct related to fraud by misrepresentation or misconduct by a public official.
“These are quite serious allegations. It is right that the police investigate.”
Asked about the matter this morning, Rishi Sunak said: “Mark Menzies is right to resign as Tory whip. While an investigation into these allegations continues, his role as trade envoy has been removed. pause.”
“As far as we are concerned, I cannot comment on the ongoing investigation and he is no longer a Conservative MP.”
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Speaking on the Electoral Barriers podcast, Tory peer Ruth Davidson thought Mr Menzies Can’t last a week As a member of Parliament.
Menzies said in a statement to The Times: “I strongly dispute the allegations made against me. I have fully complied with all statement rules. As the investigation is ongoing, I will not comment further.”
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