Tory officials are contacting the Commons Speaker following allegations that an MP was offered a \u00a3400,000 “bribe” to defect to Reform UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insurgent party, which Brexiteer Nigel Farage helped found, allegedly offered five years’ salary if the Conservatives switched allegiance and lost their seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MP did, however, report the alleged incident to Conservative Campaign Headquarters, which has contacted Sir Lindsay Hoyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The Speaker will be told about what happened,” a Tory source said, “and then we’ll see what happens.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the large sum allegedly involved, the Conservative Party is investigating whether an offence has been committed that could end up with the Fraud Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It expressed concern about MPs being offered “financial incentives” to change the Whip and vote in a different way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a 2.9 percent annual raise was approved last week, MPs’ pay will rise to \u00a386,584 in April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Reform UK sources, the claims are “desperate nonsense” and a “smear” by “anxious” Conservatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The party is expected to campaign hard in the Red Wall constituencies, which Tory activists fear will be difficult to retain in the next election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reform, led by Richard Tice, arose from the ashes of the Brexit Party, and changed its name after the 2019 general election to reflect its broader interests.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tory officials are contacting the Commons Speaker following allegations that an MP was offered a \u00a3400,000 “bribe” to defect to Reform UK. The insurgent party, which Brexiteer Nigel Farage helped … <\/p>\n