Hucknall MP Mark Spencer under pressure as his department is named amid blackmail accusations

Hucknall MP Mark Spencer is under pressure after the Government department he heads up was accused of blackmail by a senior Conservative MP.

Speaking at a meeting of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, which he chairs, William Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove said: "In recent days a number of Members of Parliament have faced pressures and intimidation from members of the Government because of their declared or assumed desire for a vote of confidence in the party leadership of the Prime Minister.

"It is of course the duty of the Government Whip's Office to secure the Government's business in the House of Commons. However, it is not their function to breach the ministerial code in threatening to withdraw investments from members of Parliament's constituencies which are funded from the public purse.

"Additionally, reports to me and others of members of staff at Number 10 Downing Street, special advisors, Government Ministers, and others, encouraging the publication of stories in the press seeking to embarrass those who they suspect of lacking confidence in the Prime Minister is similarly unacceptable.

"The intimidation of a Member of Parliament is a serious matter, moreover, the reports of which I'm aware would seem to constitute blackmail."

He went on to advise any MPs who had experienced blackmail to report it to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

As well as being the MP for the constituency of Sherwood, Mr Spencer is Government Chief Whip, a role which involves ensuring that Conservative MPs attend parliament and vote in support of the Government.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's position has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after it emerged he had attended a drinks party in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, when the rest of the country was in lockdown.

Some Conservative MPs have reportedly written letters calling for the resignation of Mr Johnson. If the number of letters submitted reaches 54 this would be enough to trigger a vote on the party's leadership.

However, Mr Spencer has been a staunch supporter of the Prime Minister, going as far as labelling him a 'hero' earlier this week.

These latest accusations levelled at Mr Spencer's department, if proved to be true, could potentially be extremely damaging for both him and the rest of Mr Johnson's administration.

Hucknall Nub News has approached Mr Spencer for a comment.