Of course we want to do everything possible in order to make sure that people are paid well and in accordance with their skills, But we also have to balance that against the need to make sure public funds are spent wisely.. His loyalties along with the rest of this Government are not on the side of the taxpayer! SNP MP Joanna Cherry told Mr Anderson food banks were needed 'because we have poverty in this country at a scale that should shame his Government'. Conservative MP Lee Anderson has been criticised after claiming nurses or anyone using a food bank while earning 30,000 a year was not managing money properly. The Levelling Up Secretary said Mr Clarke - who held the same post in Liz Truss's government - had sent out the 'wrong message'. Type. 'So, I invite you personally to come to Ashfield, look at our food bank, how it works and I think you will see first hand that there's not this massive use for food banks in this country. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. [44], Anderson backed Kemi Badenoch during the July 2022 Conservative Party leadership election. According to IPSA data, Anderson claimed 219,703.44 as business costs from 2020 to 2021 bringing his office, staffing, accommodation, travel and subsistence claims higher than the average 203,880 claimed by MPs. Speaking on BBC Radio Tees yesterday, Mr Clarke - who earns 84,000 as an MP - said: 'If you are using foodbanks and your average salary is 35,000 a year then something is wrong with your budgeting because 35,000 is not a salary on which you want to be relying on foodbanks. [46], In October 2022, Anderson replaced Esther McVey as chair of the Blue Collar Conservative caucus. Share Page. He was revealed to have told a householder ahead of his visit: 'Make out you know who I am, that you know I'm the candidate but not that you are a friend.'. When asked by a Labour MP if it should be necessary to have food banks in 21st century Britain, Anderson said there is not this massive use for food banks in the UK, but generation after generation who cannot cook properly and cannot budget. Which MP is backing whom the updated list. "My dad was a coal miner who worked seven days a week, my mother was a factory worker. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. [51] In a radio interview before his appointment, Anderson said he would support the return of capital punishment where the perpetrators are clearly identifiable. Paisley and Renfrewshire South. That figure includes 165,200 on staff wages and 32,100 on other office expenditures. I know myself having seen the NHS close up and personal the dedicated care that nurses and others who work in the NHS give. [2] His father was a coal miner. The challenge is there. He also offered an invitation for Opposition MPs to visit a scheme in his own constituency that represented 'a real food bank' and allowed people to 'make a meal for about 30p a day'. It is a controversial move, to put it mildly, because since being elected to parliament in 2019, the MP has never been far from a scandal. 'You can have huge respect for people working in our public services and also be clear that if you are earning 35,000, unless there are very particular circumstances, you shouldnt need to use a foodbank,' he tweeted. He makes a great point, and this is exactly my point. [48] He was criticised by Labour MP Chris Bryant for making alleged transphobic comments about the comedian Eddie Izzard in an interview in October 2022, and Ashfield Independent Councillor David Hennigan reported Anderson to the Metropolitan Police. A Parallel Parliament Subscription is required to receive alerts, you can view more details by clicking on the button below. The controversial Tory MP dismisses calls to extend free school meals to all children on UC, suggesting families should instead return to "traditional values" of growing their own fruit and vegetables. ", @chrispm87 said: "He forgets those very same taxpayers have more loyalty and respect for those in the NHS than they do their own MPs. "I had one particular family I was helping they were going to a foodbank two or three times a week to get their groceries and then I see them in McDonalds two or three times a week," he claimed. Find address Top Stories. I was born here, grew up here, worked down the mines here, and now I am lucky enough to represent Ashfield in Parliament as your MP. According to the ONS, in 2021 the average annual salary was 38,131 for a full-time role. ", "Tory MP Lee Anderson suggests batch cooking after blaming food bank use on lack of budgeting skills", "Tory MP Lee Anderson doubles down on food bank users 'cannot cook properly' comments", "Tory MP Lee Anderson branded out of touch for food bank remarks", "Jack Monroe to sue MP after he says 'she makes fortune from the poor', "Tory vice-chair Lee Anderson faces libel claim over bribery allegations", "Reaction after MP Lee Anderson accused BBC of Boris Johnson 'witch hunt', "Ashfield Conservative MP Lee Anderson withdraws support for prime minister Boris Johnson", "Kemi Badenoch: 'My late father taught me about responsibility', "Next Tory Leader. ", Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. What has happened to the once-great British Airways? WebMP Expense Claim Lee Anderson (Conservative - Ashfield) Date. Published: 13:01 EST, 19 January 2023 | Updated: 14:12 EST, 19 January 2023. The Travellers I am talking about are more likely to be seen leaving your garden shed at 3 o'clock in the morning, probably with your lawnmower and half of your tools. ", A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions said: "Selective examples aren't representative and don't reflect the wider work incentives in the Universal Credit system.". Arsenal hand Nottingham Forest boost ahead of 'biggest game of the year', Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Reds' relegation rivals Everton suffer a blow at the Emirates, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers learn result of Lewis OBrien transfer appeal, Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as the EFL release a statement confirming Blackburn Rovers attempts to sign Lewis OBrien have failed, Everton drop Nottingham Forest hint with surprise Arsenal decision, Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive as Everton boss Sean Dyche springs a selection surprise ahead of his sides visit to the City Ground on Sunday, Nottingham's Lister Gate to be transformed into a health hub. If I didn't pay my staff any wages, they would be using a food bank. her added. ", A clip of Mr Anderson's comments was tweeted by PoliticsJOE and many people were critical of what he said. But if you are earning 35,000/year, without very particular circumstances, you ought not to need to be using a food bank.'. He claimed food bank users in his constituency are shown how to cook meals for about 30 pence a day. Edit 2: The The blunt-talking Ashfield MP, who has beendubbed '30p Lee' for comments made last summer suggesting families could cook fresh meals for less than 1,regularly takes to his 46,000 Twitter followers to double down on his claims. A Tory MP's attempt to defend Lee Anderson after he made contentious remarks about food banks has backfired.. Last week Anderson sparked outrage after he invited everybody on the opposition benches in the Commons to visit a food bank in his Nottinghamshire constituency where people now need to register for a budgeting course And this is cooking from scratch.'. [5] The following month, Anderson defected to the Conservative Party, which he stated was a response to the "takeover" of the Labour Party by the "hard-left", particularly through the left-wing political organisation Momentum. This is Lee Anderson, Conservative MP for Ashfield. Labour MP Dawn Butler wrote online: 'Whether Katy agreed to this, it is unacceptable to use a young female employee this way. [55][56] He also has two sons from a previous marriage.[53]. "It is all about priorities. The purchase price of the house was more than double the average house price in Kirkby. Ashfield MP Lee Anderson claimed 219,703.44 as business costs from 2020 to 2021 bringing his office, staffing, accommodation, travel and subsistence A large grin visible on Anderson's face as he attempts to outmanoeuvre Bray, the MP is then ushered inside the building by a member of armed security. Earlier this month, in a tweet, Mr Anderson used one of his members of staff to double down on his point that nurses earning around 30,000 a year should not need to use food banks. Chance to bid on 500,000 worth of seized criminal cash in first police auction for Bitcoin, Marcus Rashford steps up pressure on PM over free school meals, Paramedics hit with fine for saving lives by HCPC while boss gets pay rise to 194,000, Car bursts into flames after being driven on wheel rims for miles by drink-driver, Unbreak the Planet: The purpose behind the protest, No-deal would hit red wall seats hardest, Reaction as Never Kissed A Tory set to land on Radio 4. Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, who has been labelled as out of touch by opposition MPs, claimed 219,703.44 in business costs from 2020 to 2021, nearly 16,000 higher the average costs for an MP. The MP voiced his opposition due to the association of the gesture with the Black Lives Matter movement. Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson claims it is a 'myth' people on Universal Credit are in poverty. [45] After Badenoch was eliminated, he supported Liz Truss, who was ultimately successful. Youre sat there with glazed expressions, looking at me like Ive landed from a different planet. Im always here to help, so please dont hesitate to get in touch. "Id like to reassure people that the Ashfield District is not full of uncaring, out of touch Tories like Lee Anderson. Mr Anderson soon defected to the Tories and was later elected a Conservative councillor. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Her father,Brigadier David Colthup CBE, was a decorated senior leader within the British Army whose 34 years of service included combat operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Afghanistan. And they'd just stop coming". Last summer, Mr Anderson refused to watch England's games at Euro 2020 in protest at the men's national football team taking the knee before matches in an anti-racism stance. But the amount a household receives is reduced by 55p for every 1 earned above a defined work allowance. regularly takes to his 46,000 Twitter followers to double down on his claims, Simon Clarke MP '100% stands behind' saying nurses earning 35k salaries and using food banks should 'budget better' - READ MORE, Watch the moment '30p Lee' Anderson rips hat off Stop Brexit Man Steve Bray, 'Out of touch' Tory MP says nurses using food banks should 'budget better' - Mirror Online. MP food bank row: Lee Anderson wants to 'educate people' 12 May 2022. He told the Commons: "I think youll see first-hand that theres not this massive use for food banks in this country. However, Pat Cullen, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), accused him of displaying 'disdain' for struggling workers. On committee corridor: Radio broadcasters given evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee about broadcasting in Wales (9.30 a.m.) Transport 'The idea that the problem is cooking skills and not 12 years of government decisions that are pushing people into extreme poverty is beyond belief. Responding directly to Mr Anderson's comments in the Commons, the SNP's Joanna Cherry said: 'All of us have food banks in our constituency. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The Tory deputy chairman has been accused of demonising people in poverty after claiming some people use food banks for their weekly shops. Tory MP candidate Lee Anderson says 'nuisance tenants' should be forced to Indy Everyone's least favourite Tory MP - '30p' Lee Anderson - is back in the news. [17], Anderson was elected as the MP for Ashfield at the 2019 general election with a majority of 5,733. READ MORE:Ministers under pressure to cut taxes to aid cost of living[REPORT], Come. STEPHEN Don't just stick to the Malbec! Anderson worked as a coal miner for ten years, and then volunteered for Citizens Advice for another decade. EXPENSES FILES: OpenDemocracy has sifted through MPs and peers expenses over the past three years and found claims for business class flights and professional photoshoots. [42], The following month, Anderson said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the victim of "a witch hunt led by the BBC", shortly after the results of a Conservative vote of confidence in Johnson's leadership was announced. Lee Anderson, Conservative MP for Ashfield (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Express) Nottinghamshire Tory MP Lee Anderson has attracted criticism on social "I make no apologies for trying to help people in my community, who on the whole agree with my sentiments. Mr Anderson's Parliamentary expenses ran to more than 222,000 in 2020-21, an increase of almost 50,000 on the year before. Bookmark. How fitting! Mail and Sun run favourable coverage of PM after receiving multi-million pound Covid bung, Stop putting words in my mouth: Kemi Badenoch clashes with MPs over menopause discrimination law, Watch: PM faces calls to explain why Scotland cannot receive same special EU access, Jacob Rees-Mogg had Covid test couriered to his home during shortage, WATCH: Rishi Sunak roasted over new Brexit deal, Elevenses: Fear and Loathing in the New Conservatives. He simply does not need any more to have a happy, fulfilling life. All Rights Reserved. How can a man on 84k a year, who claims over 200k in expenses, and owns several homes dare say he's not rich, compared to the people struggling with That included hotel stays, train tickets and 67.57 listed as "hospitality. Ashfield residents are angry with Lee Anderson. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. [13], Anderson was one of three Conservative Party candidates investigated by the party over claims of antisemitism during the election campaign. The comments below have not been moderated. "I come from poverty but my dad had a garden. Mr Anderson, MP for He was berated for his 'crass and cruel' comments as Britons up and down the country face a cost-of-living crisis due to soaring prices, and provoked the row as he spoke in a Commons debate on the Queen's Speech. This time he has made headlines because he's been appointed as deputy chairman of the Tory party. The MPs all seem to claim they need those expenses because of the cost of living in London. The couple also share a son, Tom Colthup, who is following in his father's footsteps and serves as a Reconnaissance Platoon Commander with the 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Rishi Sunak has made Lee Anderson, the outspoken Tory MP with a long history of controversial comments, the partys new deputy chairman. IPSA states thatAshfield MP Lee Anderson claimed 219,703.44 as business costs from 2020 to 2021 bringing his office, staffing, accommodation, travel and subsistence claims higher than the average 203,880 claimed by MPs, Ashfield MP Lee Anderson caused the uproar as he claimed there was 'not this massive use for food banks' in Britain, The former Labour councillor defected to the Tories before his election to Parliament in 2019 as part of Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority. The deputy chairman said there had not been a "proper culture in this country for decades about personal responsibility of feeding ourselves". Lee Anderson suggested anyone It comes asTory MP Simon Clarke voiced defiance despite being rebuked by Michael Gove for saying nurses forced to use food banks should 'budget better'. The couple moved into the property during the Euro 2020 football finals, which Mr Anderson boycotted over England players 'taking the knee' in protest against racism. Mr Anderson's tweet was met with backlash as swathes of social media users hit out at the tone of his message, as the hashtag 'Poor Katy' started trending on Twitter. Something went wrong, please try again later. ", "Tory MP to boycott England games in row over taking the knee", "Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (Tenth sitting)", "Five controversial things Ashfield MP Lee Anderson has done", "Tory MPs suggest sending migrants to UK to the Falklands", "Preventing Crime and Delivering Justice Volume 714: debated on Wednesday 11 May 2022", "Tory vice-chair backed death penalty and naval 'standoff' in Channel", "How did your MP vote on the new Covid restrictions? There are also estimated to be 1,200 independent food banks in addition to those run by the Trussell Trust, Salvation Army and those based in schools. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Webtory mp lee anderson expenses. A Conservative MP who said food bank users cant cook and cant budget claimed 220,000 in expenses in one year alone, IPSA figures show. [39] He said: "I did not say poor people can't cook or there is no need for food banks. The new title is a reflection [18] The seat had previously been represented by Labour's Gloria De Piero, who stood down at that election. [42], Anderson is married to Sinead,[53] a Conservative councillor on Mansfield District Council who has represented the ward of Eakring since 2019. He has been We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Monroe, who won a rancorous . Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. The challenge is there. Andy Bell LinkedIn: MP Lee Anderson: New deputy Tory chairman clashes with radio presenter [47] After becoming chair, he called for the party to focus on policing and immigration policies, and lowering taxes. Moment '30p Lee' Anderson rips hat off Stop Brexit Man Steve Londoners revolt against Sadiq Khan: Mayor is accused of served across the world for over three decades, including combat operations in tours of Afghanistan, Bosnia and the first Gulf War. Last December, Mr Anderson was among Tory rebels to vote against 'Plan B' Covid restrictions. They said the system was designed to ensure "working always pays more", and the government was "building on this" with extra measures - such as claimants being required to meet a dedicated work coach to increase their hours or earnings. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield, suggested civil servants blocking Government efforts to stop small boat crossings may be guilty of treason. That figure includes 165,200 on [35] For these comments, he was given the nickname "30p Lee" by his critics. The 30p figure came from a batch-cooking session made by a team led by a professional chef which stretched an initial 50.24 shop into 172 meals. Blunt-talking Tory backbencher Lee Anderson MPsparked a social media storm today after wading into a row on food banks and budgeting by tweeting out a member of staff's personal information and salary details, The Ashfield MP, pictured above with PM Rishi Sunak, was widely condemned last summer for 'cruel' and 'crass' comments he made in the House of Commons after suggesting struggling Brits are only using food banks because they 'can't budget' or cook a meal from scratch. Hollis alleges that Anderson accused him in a Facebook post of exchanging cash in brown envelopes over a planning application. Attempting to clarify his remarks to the BBC, the Tory MP later tweeted: 'I was very clear that we all appreciate the fantastic work of our nurses. If you are really struggling for money and you are going to a foodbank two or three times a week, you shouldn't be going out for fast food takeaways every week. Church minister who heckled Corbyn suspended over tweets. [11] Will Moy of Full Fact said: "Misleading campaign techniques from parties and candidates won't only harm those who are caught out, but could damage voter confidence in our political system. Deputy chairman of the Conservative Party Lee Anderson has said it is a "myth" that people on Universal Credit are in poverty. North East Derbyshire. WebCouncil reveals major worries over forcing voters to show photo ID at 2023 elections: Next Mays local elections will be the first time that people in England will have to bring an approved form of photographic identification in order to