Inquiries dropped into ex-MP accused of misusing donors' money

"A police investigation into claims former Conservative MP Mark Menzies misused donors' money to pay "bad people" has been dropped after he agreed to repay the money. Police opened an investigation into Menzies last year after accusations the then-MP for Fylde had used campaign funds for personal expenses. BBC News understands that at least some of that money was used to pay sex workers."

"It was reported by The Times newspaper that Menzies had telephoned an elderly Conservative party volunteer at 3am in December 2023, to say he had been locked in a flat by "bad people" and needed thousands of pounds immediately. He made other calls that morning and eventually borrowed a total of around 8,500 from his office manager and another aide."

"The majority of that - some 6,500 - was repaid from a bank account set up for money raised from local political supporters. Questions were also raised about a further 14,000 in donor funds which Menzies had used for what he described as medical expenses, according to a party volunteer who was a signatory on the bank account. Menzies, who did not respond to a request"

Police dropped an investigation into former Conservative MP Mark Menzies after he agreed to repay money alleged to have been taken from donor funds. Police had opened inquiries after accusations that campaign funds were used for personal expenses, including payments to sex workers. Menzies telephoned an elderly Conservative party volunteer at 3am in December 2023 claiming he had been locked in a flat by "bad people" and needed thousands of pounds, then borrowed about £8,500 from staff. Approximately £6,500 was repaid from a local supporters' bank account. Questions were raised about a further £14,000 described as medical expenses. Police and the expenses watchdog have concluded no action will be taken.

Read at www.bbc.com