A senior Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) is facing criticism for charging constituents to attend a coffee morning where they can discuss local issues. Matt Vickers, who serves as the deputy party chairman and a shadow minister for the Home Office, has organized the event for voters to voice their concerns, but attendees are required to pay £5 each. This move has sparked outrage among critics who argue that constituents should not have to pay to meet their MP.
An email sent by Vickers’ team to residents in Stockton West promoted the event as an opportunity to talk about local matters, share concerns, or simply have a casual chat over some cake. However, the email also stated that tickets for the event were priced at £5 on a first-come, first-served basis. The funds raised from the coffee morning in Kirklevington will be directed to his campaign fund, meaning that constituents paying to attend the event will essentially be contributing to his campaign expenses.
A recipient of the email expressed frustration, stating, “I contacted Matt Vickers about the economic issues caused by his government, and now he is asking me to pay £5 to speak with him.” Labour MP Chris McDonald, representing Stockton North, condemned the charging of attendees, emphasizing that access to MPs should not be restricted by a fee. He urged Vickers to reverse the decision and ensure that all constituents can engage with him, not just those who can afford to pay.
Another critic, Cllr Lisa Evans, the leader of Stockton Borough Council, criticized Vickers for charging residents to communicate with their MP. Evans referenced a previous incident involving a Conservative MP who allegedly made derogatory remarks about Stockton and asserted that elected officials should serve the public, not profit from them.
In response to the backlash, Vickers defended the event, clarifying that it was a community coffee morning where attendees could engage with him in a casual setting. He emphasized that constituents have multiple free opportunities to interact with him through surgeries, pop-up sessions, and community events. Vickers noted that the small fee was intended to cover refreshment costs and justified it as a means to avoid using taxpayers’ money for such purposes.
Additionally, Vickers pointed out that Labour MPs also host paid events, highlighting the inconsistency in the criticism directed at him. He reiterated his commitment to being accessible, visible, and engaged with local residents while continuing to deliver for the community. Vickers emphasized that his focus remains on serving constituents effectively.
Matt Vickers, who assumed the role of deputy Tory chairman in July last year, serves as the shadow minister for illegal immigration, crime, and policing under Kemi Badenoch.