Top Tory blasted for flogging £5 tickets to constituents who wish to meet him
Conservative Party deputy chairman Matt Vickers is accused of a ‘cash grab’ after advertising a coffee morning for his Stockton West constituents – and selling tickets for a fiver
Matt Vickers is hosting a coffee morning in his constituency – with tickets costing £5(Image: Matt Vickers MP)
A senior Tory MP has been accused of a shameless cash grab after flogging tickets to constituents who want to air their concerns.
Matt Vickers, deputy party chairman and a shadow Home Office minister, has advertised a coffee morning for voters to raise local issues – but those attending must cough up £5 for the privilege. Critics have branded it “outrageous” and say members of the public should not have to pay to see their own MP.
An email sent by Mr Vickers’ team to locals in Stockton West said: “These events are a great opportunity to talk about local issues, raise any concerns you may have or simply drop in for a chat and some cake.”
But he went on: “Tickets are a fiver and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.” Cash raised from Tuesday’s two hour event in Kirklevington, he said, would go to his campaign fund. It means voters who go along to have their say about their communities will be helping foot the bill for his campaigning.
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A voter who received an email about the event told The Mirror: “I first emailed Matt Vickers about the mess his Tory government made of the economy and now he’s mailing me demanding I pay a fiver to talk to him.”
Labour MP Chris McDonald, who represents neighbouring Stockton North, told The Mirror he was outraged that voters were being charged to attend. He said: “Access to your MP should never be hidden behind a paywall. People shouldn’t have to pay to raise concerns or be heard. MPs already receive a budget to run an office and engage with constituents.
“I’d urge the other MP in Stockton to reverse this cash grab and ensure all constituents can contact him, not just those that can pay for the privilege.”
And Cllr Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton Borough Council, hit out at the Tory MP. Referencing former Conservative Home Secretary James Cleverly, who was accused of branding Stockton a “s***hole” in a heated Commons exchange – which he denied – she said: “We all remember the top Tory who called Stockton a ‘s***hole’.
“Now Fat Cat Matt wants to charge Stockton residents just to speak to their own MP. Stockton Tories should remember they are elected to serve the public. Not profit from them.”
Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “Holding a ‘coffee morning’ that doubles as a campaign fundraiser is frankly outrageous. Constituents should never be asked to pay just to raise issues with their MP or have their voices heard. Being an MP is a public service and a privilege, not a pay-to-access role. Local engagement should be open and accessible , not limited to those who can afford a ticket.”
Mr Vickers’ email points out that he has held and attended numerous events around his constituency for which there is no charge. He said he had been “blown away” by the support he had received at events across his constituency. The message, shown to The Mirror, said: “Any proceeds will go to my campaign fund to help fund our regular newsletters and surveys.
“I have been blown away by the support I’ve received at my stall pop-ups, pub drop-ins and community events across Stockton West, and I feel as though these coffee mornings are another great chance to catch up with residents.”
Mr Vickers, who was appointed deputy Tory chairman in July last year, is Kemi Badenoch’s shadow minister for illegal immigration, crime and policing.
The Tory MP shot back: “This appears to be a deliberate misunderstanding of what is simply a community coffee morning.
“No one ever has to pay to speak to me. I hold regular surgeries, pop-up sessions and spend a great deal of time out in the community, speaking directly with residents. There are multiple free opportunities to meet with me each week, through which I engage with hundreds of people and support many more throughout the year. Throughout the Easter recess I have been on the doorsteps speaking to many residents and do this week in, week out!
“This event is simply an additional, informal way for people to come along and have a conversation in a relaxed setting. The small charge helps cover the cost of refreshments, and I do not believe it is appropriate to use taxpayers’ money for that purpose.
“It’s also worth noting that Labour MPs regularly host paid events themselves including one locally costing £40 so this criticism is more than a little inconsistent. I will continue to focus on being accessible, visible, and engaged with local people, and on delivering for residents across our community.“
