Sunak should leave Hancock as a "disgraced independent"

EMBARGO: Immediate release

Responding to reports that Matt Hancock may see the whip restored, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Christine Jardine has written to Rishi Sunak urging him to think again. She has warned that restoring the whip would give Conservative MPs a free pass to fail the public and "take their constituents for granted". It comes after the Liberal Democrats tabled a "Bushtucker Bill" to prevent MPs leaving the country for long periods on reality TV.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson, Christine Jardine MP said:

“While his constituents fretted over sky high bills, Matt Hancock was parading himself on national television for the sake of cheap fame.

“Instead of helping his constituents through the cost of living crisis his party caused, Hancock abandoned them and flew to the other side of the world for weeks when they needed representation more than ever. 

"An MP who would rather be submerged with crocodiles and feast on animal genitals over helping his constituents should have no place in parliament. Rishi Sunak must leave him a disgraced independent, and never return the whip. 

"The Prime Minister promised integrity, professionalism and accountability. If he reappoints Hancock he will show just how hollow that pledge is, and that Conservative MPs have a free pass to fail their constituents and disgrace their office."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Letter to Rishi Sunak:

Dear Rishi Sunak,

I am writing further to media reports that you are considering reinstating the Conservative whip for Matt Hancock. 

I urge you to rule out this possibility. It would be outrageous for a Conservative MP who has failed to fulfil their duties as a Parliamentarian, in such an egregious manner, to have the whip reinstated. 

Mr Hancock’s decision to abandon his constituents when Parliament was sitting and go to the other side of the world for weeks was deeply irresponsible, especially at a time of political turmoil and when so many people in his constituency and across the country are struggling to make ends meet. MPs are public servants - whose job is to represent their constituents effectively in Parliament. Matt Hancock put his own ego before that vital principle. 

Mr Hancock’s decision was damaging for public trust and for the democratic representation of people in West Suffolk, who were left without a voice in Parliament. To welcome him back into the fold would send a concerning message that Conservative MPs can take their constituents for granted and fail to do their jobs without meaningful repercussions. 

Integrity, accountability and professionalism matters in our politics: it's the least the public deserve, and it should be expected without question. I hope that you will confirm that you support those principles, by making clear that you will not reinstate the whip to Matt Hancock. 

Kind regards,

Christine Jardine