Labour MP Faces Scrutiny ‌Over Union Ties and Partner

Updated may 31, 2025

Mary Foy, a Labour MP representing Durham, is facing increasing pressure to address​ concerns regarding her relationship with Matt Wrack, former head of the Fire Brigades ​Union (FBU). The questions revolve around potential conflicts of⁤ interest arising from her​ parliamentary activities on behalf of the union during their ​undisclosed relationship.

Foy reportedly introduced two Early day Motions in Parliament supporting the FBU’s agenda ​while Wrack was general secretary.​ These motions included advocating for firefighter pay raises and urging government support ⁢for a union campaign. Moreover, she accepted a ⁣£2,000 donation⁢ from the FBU for her 2024 general election campaign, launched alongside Wrack. ​The union also provided a staff member to work ⁤in Foy’s parliamentary office for over a year.

Foy has contacted the Parliamentary⁤ Commissioner​ for Standards to ascertain whether she adhered to declaration rules for members of parliament.​ Neither Foy nor Wrack ​have denied the relationship. Sources indicate the relationship began after⁤ both parted from ‌previous partners.

Durham‌ MP Mary Foy is⁤ in a relationship with former fireman Matt⁢ Wrack.

Ms. Foy,center,with Mr. ​Wrack,⁢ left, at ‌her campaign launch on June 6, 2024.

Despite the⁣ relationship ⁤spanning several years, ​Foy has not⁣ declared it in​ the MPs’ register⁤ of interests, ‍which requires disclosure ‌of family members, including cohabitating partners, involved in ‍lobbying.‌ Foy declined to comment on whether she should ​have declared the relationship.

Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty stated that if ⁤the allegations are true, Foy has ⁣serious questions to answer regarding clarity and potential conflicts of interest.

this isn’t the⁤ first time Foy has faced scrutiny. In 2021, she was‍ involved ​in the “Beergate” probe ‍concerning Keir Starmer’s beer consumption in her office during COVID-19 restrictions.‌ In 2022,‍ she reportedly launched a “drunken ‌tirade” against⁤ Richard Holden, the‍ Tory MP who⁢ called for a police‌ investigation into the ⁣”Beergate” event, for which she later apologized.

Mary Foy after winning her seat in the⁢ 2024 General Election.

Foy has long ⁢supported the trade union movement and the FBU. In 2023, while in a relationship with Wrack, Foy stated she would continue to​ back firefighters’ demands in Parliament.

Ms. Foy⁢ reportedly launched a ‘drunken tirade’ on the Commons‌ terrace against Richard ⁢Holden.

Wrack’s recent career moves have ⁣also​ drawn attention. After failing to win reelection as FBU general secretary in⁤ January, he was controversially ‌appointed head of the ​NASUWT, a teaching union, ‍despite lacking teaching experience. This appointment is now subject to a ⁢contested election following legal action ⁤from a ​challenger.

matt Wrack failed to⁢ be re-elected⁢ as the FBU’s general secretary in January.

Matt Wrack’s appointment to the NASUWT is now subject to a ⁤contested election.

Mary Foy works with a ⁣wide ⁢range⁢ of stakeholders, including a ⁢number of trade unions.Mary‌ has proudly advocated for paramedics,prison officers,teachers,firefighters,doctors and ‍other frontline staff in​ Durham,the wider North East and indeed the country during her time​ as an MP – ⁤that work will⁣ continue.

A spokesman for​ Ms.Foy said: ‘Mary Foy works with a wide range of ⁣stakeholders, including a ‍number of trade unions.’

It is indeed ⁣entirely reasonable for an MP to raise​ concerns about the pay⁤ of dedicated public servants, especially after years ⁣of austerity and falling living standards.

Wrack stated that the FBU implemented a conflict-of-interest policy under his leadership and that he did​ not participate in discussions regarding donations related to the 2024 general election. He⁤ defended Foy’s advocacy for public servants’ pay.

Our union’s funding of the Labour Party and a number⁢ of its MPs is wholly clear.Ours ​is the cleanest money in politics.

The FBU maintains that its funding of the Labour ‌Party is transparent and that all political ⁣donations undergo a thorough process and are approved by the union’s executive council. The union⁢ is proud ⁣of its role in advocating for workers’ rights within​ the Labour Party’s platform.

What’s next

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards will review the matter to determine if any breaches of conduct occurred. the outcome ‌of⁤ this‍ review‌ could‍ have implications for Foy’s future in Parliament and the Labour Party’s stance on transparency and conflicts of interest.