Halstead: Where was MP Brooks

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/9 ... MP_Brooks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

An MP has come under fire for missing a packed out public debate on the future of Halstead’s postal depot .

Halstead MP Brooks Newmark was criticised by councillors and constituents for missing the meeting which began at 8pm last Thursday.

At about 8.30pm Mr Newmark tweeted that he was having a drink with Made in Chelsea star Francis Boulle and his daughter on the House of Commons terrace but has since vigorously defended his absence at the meeting.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

MP criticised for socialising with Made in Chelsea star http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvan ... -star.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


A Tory MP has been criticsed for missing a local protest meeting while he was drinking with the star of Channel 4 reality series Made in Chelsea.

Brooks Newmark had told organisers in his Halstead constituency, in Essex, that the House of Commons whips needed him at Westminster.

The meeting, to debate the future of the towns postal depot, started at 8pm.

But at 8.30pm he told his Twitter followers he was enjoying a drink with Made in Chelsea star and diamond mining heir Francis Boulle, and posted a picture of them together.

Steve Knight, who runs Halstead's postal museum, said: "If he was supping on the terraces at the Houses of Parliament that is a disgrace and is only to be expected from MPs who are not closely connected with communities. "

David Hume, the Mayor of Halstead, said: "I am disappointed he wasnt at the meeting. I think it would have appropriate for our MP to be there."

The meeting was called to debate plans by the Royal Mail to shut the town's postal depot and move operations to Sudbury in Suffolk by February next year. About 120 locals attended.

Halstead Town Council rearranged their meeting so that councillors could attend the debate.

Mr Newmark does support residents and workers in their concerns about the depots closure and asked town councillor Steve Kirby to read out a statement at the debate on his behalf.

Mr Kirby said: "Brooks is fully behind us on this point and if he could have been there he would have."

Mr Newmark tweeted that he was having a drink with Mr Boulle, 22, at 8.30pm last Thursday, July 14. The Halstead meeting started at 8pm.

Mr Newmark said he had told people in advance that he could not attend the meeting because as a whip he has to stay in Parliament until between 6pm and 6.30pm on Thursdays.

He had previously met with Royal Mail representatives in London and employees in Halstead.

He said: "I have always made it clear that unless meetings start at about 8.30pm or 9pm it is almost impossible to get back.

"The most important thing is I met with employees, Royal Mail and constituents about this. "

He said he was elected to represent the people of Halstead in Westminster.

At the meeting postal reps stressed they were happy with the support Mr Newmark had given them.

Mr Newmark was with his daughter Lily when they met Mr Boulle, a diamond mining heir.

She is said to be a big fan of the show which follows the lives of Londons young social elites with the promise that life isnt all champagne and canapés.

[pants123]

SAYS IT ALL,,,, MP's,,the lot of them are corrupt,,,, tell lies to the voters just to get in power so they can help themselfs to tax payers money, for their own greed..... ive never voted for any of them,

[pants123]

all MP'S are criminal.........