Former Christian and devout conservative mayor called by MP at center of sordid scandal

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A staunch Tory said she was “disappointed” in the Conservative Party after claiming her concerns about a sitting MP demanding thousands of people walk free of an alleged kidnapping attempt had been “swept away”. swept under the carpet."

Katie Fieldhouse, 78, a former Conservative mayor and respected member of Fylde MP Mark Menzies' constituency encompassing the coastal town of , says the MP called her at 3am 15 on a December morning to ask him for £5,000 to pay the "bad people".

Mr Menzies lost the post of Tory whip and was suspended as envoy. commercial by Rishi Sunak afterThe Timespublished the claims this week.p>

Speaking through tears at her home, Ms Fieldhouse, a long-time Conservative campaigner, told the BBC: "I'm watching people walking around this quiet neighborhood. Do I want them to go and vote for a man who's going to jail and needs money to get him out?

She recounted the conversation, saying the deputy called her to say, "'I've had relationships with bad people and they locked me in an apartment and they don't will not do. let me out until I pay them £5,000.' I said, 'I beg your pardon.' He said: 'It's life or death Katie, I need £5,000 in the account.' sc-1cbdeug-0 gEUaIf">Labor said allegations against Mark Menzies warranted police investigation (Richard Townshend/UK Parliament/PA) (PA Media)

The sum, which amounts to £6,500, was ultimately paid by his office manager from his personal bank account and subsequently repaid from funds collected from donors to an account named Fylde Westminster Group, it appears.

< p>She said she felt let down by the party, which she said took no action on her allegations for months after reporting them to Simon Hart, the chief whip.

< She added: “I'm not letting this go under the rug. The party has failed me. I've said it, my faith in the party is like my faith in God... they've failed me. fall.

“The party is part of my life, I have run every election campaign here for 40 years I work hard for the party – all they hear is one. little old lady of 78 years old. »

Mr. Menzies previously thanked the businesswoman and former ally for organizing a national parliamentary prayer breakfast. which was held at St Cuthbert's Church.

Writing on his blog, he said: “My thanks to Reverend Nick Wells and Katie Fieldhouse for organizing the service. The service was uplifting, as were the much-loved bacon butties and beers afterwards. »