Labour questions Tory candidate’s paid leave for by-election campaign in Mid Bedfordshire
Tory candidate Festus Akinbusoye is facing scrutiny over allegations that he has taken paid leave from his taxpayer-funded position as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to campaign for the Mid-Bedfordshire by-election. Critics are questioning whether Akinbusoye’s social media posts from the campaign trail were taken during days he should have been working as a PCC. While it is not illegal to take paid leave from a publicly funded role to campaign, the Labour Party argues that it would be concerning if Akinbusoye opted for unpaid days instead.
According to estimates by the opposition party, Akinbusoye could have potentially received £20,000 from his salary while spending over 90 days campaigning for votes. The Conservative Party, when approached for comment, declined to respond. A Labour source expressed disappointment with the lack of change offered by Akinbusoye, comparing it to what they deemed as years of neglect under the previous MP, Nadine Dorries. They urged voters in Mid Bedfordshire to support the Labour Party for a chance at change.
Interestingly, since Akinbusoye was elected as PCC, the county of Bedfordshire has witnessed an 18% increase in sexual offenses and a 24% increase in shoplifting rates. These statistics have further fueled criticism against him. Meanwhile, ahead of the upcoming by-elections, the Conservative Party is bracing for potential losses in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire. Concerns have risen among party strategists regarding the turnout of traditional Tory voters and the absence of a post-conference poll bounce for the Prime Minister, resulting in a less optimistic outlook.
The Liberal Democrats, who initially focused their attacks on the Labour Party, have shifted their strategy and are now rallying for Tory votes, throwing yet another challenge at Akinbusoye in his bid to retain Mid-Bedfordshire. If Labour were to win the seat, it would mark the largest-ever majority overturned. Similarly, Tamworth is also expected to be a significant loss for the Prime Minister’s party. As Thursday’s by-elections approach, the political landscape is uncertain, with potential major shifts in electorate preferences.
