Mark Menzies, a Member of Parliament, has been suspended from his role as an unpaid trade envoy to Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Argentina following allegations of misusing campaign funds. The suspension was announced by No 10 during a lobby briefing, where it was revealed that Menzies had been suspended from the voluntary role aimed at boosting trade with the aforementioned countries.
The allegations against Menzies have raised serious questions, with Labour party chair Anneliese Dodds calling the Tory response to the allegations “too weak.” Dodds has suggested that the matter should be reported to the police due to the potential criminality involved. Menzies, on the other hand, has strongly disputed the allegations and stated that he has fully complied with all rules for declarations.
In the midst of this controversy, a poll conducted by Ipsos has revealed that Rishi Sunak’s approval rating has hit a record low for a Prime Minister, matching John Major’s score in 1994. Keir Starmer’s approval rating has also fallen, although he still maintains a lead over Sunak in terms of perceived capability as Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the government’s Rwanda bill has faced setbacks in the House of Lords, with two safeguards opposed by the Commons being inserted into the bill. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has criticized Labour for hindering the bill’s progress, suggesting that the opposition party does not want the bill to pass. Shapps also confirmed that RAF planes could be used for deportation flights to Rwanda.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, with controversies and challenges emerging, the future remains uncertain for key figures like Menzies, Sunak, and Starmer, as well as for crucial legislative initiatives like the Rwanda bill. Stay tuned for further developments on these unfolding stories.