MP Mark Menzies Under Fire Over Campaign Fund Scandal
Lancashire Police are probing claims that Tory MP Mark Menzies misused campaign cash. The allegations accuse the Fylde MP of using political donations to pay off people who held him captive in a flat – and to cover personal medical bills.
Locked in Flat and £6,500 Payoff
The drama began when Menzies allegedly called an elderly party volunteer late at night, begging urgently for £5,000 to buy his freedom from “bad people” locking him up. The total paid was £6,500, reportedly drawn from local Conservative party funds. His office manager initially covered the cash from personal savings but was later reimbursed using campaign donations.
A source close to Menzies said he paid the money out of fear but didn’t have enough personal funds at the time. Local Tories supposedly told him he wouldn’t need to repay it. The party found out about the incident in January after Menzies’ former campaign manager tipped off Chief Whip Simon Hart.
£14,000 of Campaign Funds to Cover Medical Bills?
The Times revealed Menzies reportedly used £14,000 from campaign funds over four years to settle medical expenses. Although a source close to him denied the claim, the money remains unpaid.
Political Fallout: Suspension and Whip Removed
In response, Menzies lost the Conservative whip, effectively turning him into an independent MP. He’s also been suspended from his role as a trade envoy under Rishi Sunak.
Police Review and Menzies’ Denial
Lancashire Police are now reviewing the evidence but no formal complaint has been filed yet. They plan to reach out to those involved to see if they want to press charges.
Menzies has strongly denied the allegations, stressing he followed funding rules. He declined further comment as the investigation unfolds.
