logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2024
23m 7s

Investigation: The Tory MP who allegedly...

THE TIMES
About this episode

The call came in the dead of night. “Are you on your own?” the man said. “I’ve got in with some bad people and they’ve locked me in a flat and they want £5,000 to release me.” The caller was Mark Menzies, the Conservative MP for Fylde in Lancashire.

The Times investigation reveals a litany of allegations involving sex, drugs and a drunk dog. Mark Menzies disputes all the allegations, and says he “fully complied with all the rules for declarations.”

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory

Guest: Billy Kenber, Senior Investigations Reporter, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Olivia Case.

Further listening: The council house row Angela Rayner can't shake.  

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 

Find out more about our bonus series for Times subscribers: 'Inside the newsroom'


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
Q&A: Public transport hell and ‘creepy’ AI glasses
Why are transport links in the north of England so poor, and what could Andy Burnham do about it? Should women be worried about Meta’s AI glasses? And what is Trump planning – in Iran and beyond? You asked, so we answered, in this edition of our monthly Q&A series. If you have a ... Show More
24m 10s
Yesterday
The Game: Fifa - Football for sale
Tom Clarke speaks to The Times’ chief sports reporter Martyn Ziegler, following his exclusive story on Fifa president Gianni Infantino's plans to offer 'stakes' in the World Cup. So, what are these plans? Why does it matter and what happens next? This podcast was brought to you t ... Show More
19m 24s
Yesterday
Burnham’s devolution revolution
Andy Burnham’s plans to shift power out of London are already taking shape, with No 10 North open for business in Manchester. The city sees yet more political action tomorrow, with Labour expected to win Britain’s biggest ever by-election and usher in a new mayor. But what will B ... Show More
27m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2024
Tory MP suspended | What's going on with climate targets?
Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people".   <br /><br />Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also allege he used campaign funds to pay his personal medi ... Show More
20m 30s
Jan 2022
'Intimidation and Blackmail'
A senior Tory accuses Number 10 of using blackmail to keep rebellious MPs in line.Adam, Chris and Laura chew the fat over the latest serious claims and they are joined by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke, to discuss an apology, a defection and strong-arm tactics. ... Show More
31m 11s
Apr 2022
Porn in Parliament
The Conservative Party is investigating claims that an MP watched pornography on his mobile phone in the Commons. Adam and Vicki Young discuss the latest following another busy day in Westminster. Also… the High Court has ruled that government policies on discharging untested pat ... Show More
34m 40s
Apr 2022
Partygate Probelem
With Boris Johnson thousands of miles away in India, MPs have approved an investigation into whether he misled Parliament over lockdown parties. Adam is joined by fellow BBC presenters Alex Forsyth and Jo Coburn to talk through how we got here. Also in the studio is Labour’s Shad ... Show More
31m 46s
Sep 2023
A Spy in Parliament?
Researcher arrested amid claims he was spying for China. Chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman helps Laura and James Cook understand what information Westminster staffers get access to, as well as the UK government’s reaction to the news.And, the case of escaped prisoner Da ... Show More
29m 11s
Jun 2023
'Partygate' rears its ugly head again
Today sees a moment of reckoning for Britain, as parliament votes on a report condemning former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for deliberately lying about how his own team flouted Covid rules. The result could have imposed a 90-day suspension on Johnson, but he pre-emptively resig ... Show More
56m 16s
Apr 2022
After-Partygate
The PM again apologises for lockdown fines - but could backbench Tory MPs turn on him in the coming days and weeks? Adam is joined by the BBC’s Vicki Young to chew over another day of high drama in the Commons. Also… It’s thought that Downing Street and Foreign Office computer sy ... Show More
32m 18s