Monday 24th March 2025

(2 days, 10 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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16:30
Ben Obese-Jecty Portrait Ben Obese-Jecty (Huntingdon) (Con)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. On Saturday 22 March, 11 Labour MPs campaigned in my constituency, the majority of whom neglected to inform me. I am well aware that Labour is desperate to hang on to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayoralty. Having parted company with the current Labour mayor at the eleventh hour, after he was found guilty of breaching the code of conduct during his term, it has panic-selected the only candidate who could be found at short notice—someone who already lost the police and crime commissioner election last year—and is desperately pouring MPs into my constituency to campaign against Paul Bristow.

As a matter of courtesy, I would have expected Members to notify me of their visit. While new Members could feign ignorance, a Secretary of State and a junior Minister should know better.

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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First, all MPs should notify other Members when going to their constituencies. I will stamp down when Members do not show that courtesy—please do so. Yes, election fever is coming, but that is no excuse for Members not to inform other Members that they are coming to campaign. I do not know who the Minister and the Secretary of State are, but it gives them absolutely no right to do so without notifying the Member. They should know better. I say to all Members on both sides, please observe the courtesies of the House and inform other Members.