Conservative MP Mark Menzies, who was recently suspended over allegations of misusing campaign funds, announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming polls. Additionally, he has resigned from the Conservative Party, citing personal pressures.
Menzies was suspended after claims surfaced that he had asked a party activist for £6,500 in the middle of the night to resolve a problematic situation involving “bad people.” He was also accused of using £14,000 from his campaign funds to cover medical expenses, allegations which he has denied.
Despite these serious claims, the Conservative Party’s internal investigation could not establish definitive evidence of misuse of party funds. According to the Party, the group managing the funds in question operates outside the control of the Conservative Party and the Fylde Conservative Association. As a result, it couldn’t conclusively determine any wrongdoing with the party’s finances.
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Menzies said his decision to step down as the MP for Fylde in Lancashire was due to personal stress and the need to care for his elderly mother. He mentioned that the past week had been very challenging for him and asked for privacy for his family.
The Conservative Party’s internal review revealed some lapses in the handling of local campaign funds. It highlighted that there were issues with the management of donations and funding that weren’t under the party’s direct control, but it couldn’t definitively state that party funds had been misused. Despite this, the party reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards and accountability for all its members.
