Police looking into claims Tory MP used campaign funds to pay 'bad people' in 'life and death' matter
Conservative MP Mark Menzies
PA
An investigation has been launched into Tory MP Mark Menzies after police officers received a formal complaint.
The MP for Fylde is said to have called a 78-year-old former campaign manager at 3.15am claiming he was locked in a flat and needed £5,000 as a matter of "life and death".
A spokesperson from Lancashire Police said: "We can confirm that we have now received a letter detailing concerns around this matter and we are in the process of reviewing the available information in more detail."
It comes as Labour Party chairwoman and MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds has written to Lancashire Police calling on the force to look into them.
Lancashire Police have now said they are investigating (file pic)
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Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer said: "In the last 24 hours we have found out that the Government was told months ago about this, and they seem to have sat on their hands.
“If they thought they could sweep this under the carpet somehow they were obviously very mistaken and that is why I think there are very serious questions now that need to be answered. Not just by the individual but also by the Government on this."
Earlier today, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride denied claims the Conservative Party is resisting going to the police over allegations Menzies misused campaign funds.
He told Times Radio: "I’m not aware that they are. I’m not obviously connected to all the ins and outs of this situation. What I do know for sure is that the party has removed the whip from Mark Menzies and is investigating this situation and that will be done in a very thorough manner."
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Meanwhile, Katie Fieldhouse, the woman who was called by Menzies in the early hours on December 1, called for him to "fall on his sword" by stepping down as an MP.
She told the BBC: "I put my faith completely in the party... nothing happened. I heard nothing... I am appalled."
"The party has been part of my life, I've run every election campaign here for 40 years. I work myself into the ground for the party - all they hear is a 78-year-old little old lady. I am not having this brushed under the carpet."
"The party has let me down. I have said; my faith in the party is like my faith in God... they've let me down. I watch people go for a walk in this quiet area. Do I want them to go out and vote for a man who gets himself locked up and needs money to get him out? No."
In a statement to The Times, Menzies said: "I strongly dispute the allegations put to me. I have fully complied with all the rules for declarations. As there is an investigation ongoing I will not be commenting further."
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "The Conservative Party is investigating allegations made regarding a Member of Parliament.
"This process is rightfully confidential. The party takes all allegations seriously and will always investigate any matters put to them."
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