MP & Union Boss: Undeclared Relationship Revealed
- 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).
- Foy reportedly introduced two Early day Motions in Parliament supporting the FBU's agenda while Wrack was general secretary.
- Foy has contacted the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to ascertain whether she adhered to declaration rules for members of parliament.
Durham Labour MP Mary Foy faces scrutiny amid revelations of an undeclared relationship with ex-union boss Matt Wrack. This news story details how foy allegedly lobbied Parliament for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) while in a concealed relationship, sparking questions of conflict of interest regarding her actions and the donations she received. The primary_keyword and secondary_keyword in this case are “Mary Foy” and “union ties”, respectively. Concerns are magnified by the FBU’s campaign contributions and staff support provided to Foy’s election efforts. Simultaneously occurring, Wrack faces his own challenges. News Directory 3 has the full story. Discover what’s next as investigations unfold.
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.