Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Joe Middleton

Councillors in Newmarket pass vote of no confidence in local MP Matt Hancock

PA

Councillors in Newmarket have passed a vote of no confidence in local MP and former health secretary Matt Hancock.

Mr Hancock resigned last month after he was captured on camera kissing his close aide Gina Coladangelo in his ministerial office.

The motion was passed at a meeting of Newmarket Town Council, with five voting for, five against and four abstentions.

No Conservative councillor supported the motion.

Mayor of Newmarket Michael Jefferys, who is a member of the Labour Party, used his casting vote to pass the vote.

The passed resolution states that West Suffolk MP Mr Hancock has “neglected the best interests of his constituents” and, as health secretary, “demonstrated hypocrisy and hubris in the pursuit of his own interests”.

Mr Jefferys said he has been “dismayed” at Mr Hancock‘s performance as an MP and as health secretary, adding: “For someone in such a responsible position to then behave in the way that he has is for me the last straw.”

Mr Hancock was replaced by Sajid Javid who quit last year as Chancellor last year and is now one of the more experienced members of the Cabinet, having also worked at the Home Office.

West Suffolk Conservative Association said after Mr Hancock‘s resignation that it had received a “heartfelt apology” from him, and formally backed him to continue representing the constituency.

A spokesman for the association said in a statement on Wednesday: “Even the Labour/Independent-controlled local town council couldn’t find a majority against Matt Hancock.

“We are very grateful for the strong local support Matt is receiving.”

Additional reporting by PA

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.