A senior Conservative Member of Parliament is facing criticism for charging constituents to attend a coffee morning where they can discuss local issues. Matt Vickers, who is the deputy party chairman and a shadow Home Office minister, has organized the event in Stockton West, asking attendees to pay £5 for entry. Critics have labeled this move as “outrageous,” stating that the public should not have to pay to meet their MP.
In an email sent to locals, Vickers’ team promoted the event as an opportunity to talk about community concerns or simply have a casual chat over coffee and cake. However, the email mentioned that tickets were priced at £5 on a first-come, first-served basis, with the proceeds going towards Vickers’ campaign fund. This means that constituents participating in the event to voice their opinions will essentially be funding the MP’s political endeavors.
One resident who received the email expressed frustration, stating that it was unreasonable to be asked to pay just to communicate with their MP. Labour MP Chris McDonald from Stockton North condemned the practice, emphasizing that constituents should not have to pay to engage with their elected representatives.
Councillor Lisa Evans criticized Vickers for charging residents to interact with their MP, highlighting the importance of elected officials serving the public without seeking personal gain. Meanwhile, Labour MP Luke Myer denounced the event as an inappropriate mix of a coffee morning and a fundraiser, asserting that constituents should not be financially burdened to communicate with their MP.
Vickers defended the event, clarifying that it was meant to be an informal community gathering rather than a paid consultation. He emphasized that he regularly holds free sessions and engages with constituents through various means. Vickers also pointed out that Labour MPs host paid events as well and reiterated his commitment to being accessible and responsive to community needs.