Statement from the Eastbourne MP:
“In these unprecedented times, I am very concerned to be doing all we can to help lower-income families and their children who are really struggling due to the impact of the virus.”
“Therefore, last night, I voted for Labour’s motion on extending free school meal vouchers until after Easter 2021 for those families in receipt of Universal Credit or an equivalent benefit.
“I do not consider this extension could be in any way a long-term solution to this need, which is complex. There are better ways to help children, including linking meals to activities so they can also benefit from extra-curricular learning and experience.
“However, as we are still very much living in the shadow of the pandemic, vouchers are a lever – not perfect, not sustainable – but one which I thought could be used to reach families in Eastbourne and across the country in the immediate time ahead. I could not in all conscience ignore that belief.”
“Due to my decision not to support the government in this debate, I have resigned as a Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.”
Read Guido’s definitive PPS, Chairman and Trade Envoy list here:
News from Eastbourne suggests that their new Tory MP Caroline Ansell has come off the fence and decided for Leave. In her newsletter, she said: “I had first hoped to remain in a reformed EU. The renegotiation deal says everything about today’s EU – that it is only moving in one direction: ever increasing centralisation.”
Click here to view the entire spreadsheet.
That puts the number of Tory MPs who openly disagree with David Cameron and George Osborne at 143 or some 43% of the parliamentary party…
Continuing Guido’s series of troughing new MPs who are already employing family members on the public payroll, meet the new Tory MP for Eastbourne.
At her selection, Caroline Ansell revealed that her husband Nick would be giving up his full time job as a teacher if she was elected as an MP to look after their three boys.
A noble commitment.
Yet, just two months since she came to Westminster, Caroline has declared:
“I employ my husband, Nicholas Ansell, as a full time Personal Assistant.”
Guido asked Caroline why the change of heart, but alas she declined the opportunity to comment. Only a cynic would suggest that Nick’s role as a house husband was being subsidised by the taxpayer…
