PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Point of Order - 7 March 2024 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. It has been drawn to my attention that on Monday the hon. Member for Mansfield (Ben Bradley) publicised his meeting with the leader of the Nottingham Independents, which clearly took place in Old Market Square in my constituency. The hon. Member had not notified me that he would be visiting Nottingham South. We all make genuine mistakes; however, when I looked at his social media feed I became aware that this is the fourth public visit that he has undertaken in my constituency since the beginning of February, none of which he notified me of. I appreciate that he already has two jobs and is seeking a third, but I would be grateful for your advice on how he might be prevailed upon to follow the rules of behaviour and courtesies that apply to us in our jobs as Members of this House.

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her point of order and for giving me notice of it. I assume that she informed the hon. Member that she intended to raise this.

This is an incredibly serious matter. Mr Speaker reminded the House on 22 January that when a Member intends to visit another constituency other than in a private capacity, they should make every reasonable effort to inform the Member representing that constituency before they do so. That applies in particular to public events and meetings. In addition, hon. Members have a duty to look after the constituents who elected them to this place. Boundary changes do not take effect until the next election, and we must observe the convention of not involving ourselves in another Member’s constituency until that time. I have had similar experiences, and I know how annoying it is. It is also something that all parts of the House need to observe. We have the Leader of the House present—I know it is not strictly in her remit, but I am sure that she will take back the views expressed, as will the Whips. I emphasise: everyone has to stick to that, particularly this year, because things can get very fraught and difficult. I think we will leave it at that.