UK lawmaker won't run again after allegations of late night call for funds to pay off 'bad people'
A British lawmaker who allegedly used campaign funds to pay off people who were holding him hostage says that he won't seek reelection after the governing Conservative Party found his behavior fell below the standard expected of members of Parliament
LONDON (AP) — A British lawmaker who allegedly used campaign funds to pay off people who were holding him hostage said Sunday that he wouldn't seek reelection after the governing Conservative Party found his behavior fell below the standard expected of members of Parliament.
Mark Menzies' downfall is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservatives, undermining support for a party that has been in power for the past 14 years as it prepares for a general election later this year.
The Times of London recently reported that Menzies called a 78-year-old aide at 3 a.m. in December asking for funds to pay off “bad people” who had locked him in an apartment and were demanding money for his release. Menzies' office manager ultimately paid 6,500 pounds ($8,100) from her personal bank account, which was reimbursed from funds donated by political backers, the newspaper said.
Menzies, who denies the allegations, has represented the seat of Fylde in northwest England since 2010.
