Labour MP Mary Foy did not declare relationship with union boss

Labour MP Mary Foy has referred herself to Parliament’s requirements watchdog after lobbying on behalf of a commerce union run by her companion.

The Durham MP is known to be in a relationship with Matt Wrack, who was the overall secretary of the Fireplace Brigades Union (FBU) for 20 years till January 2025.

Foy launched two campaigns in Parliament concerning the FBU and likewise obtained a £2,000 donation from the union in August 2024. She didn’t declare her relationship on the MPs’ register of pursuits.

Foy advised the BBC: “I’ve contacted the requirements commissioner to make sure all of my work is recorded in step with the principles – as any MP would.”

Wrack has not responded to a request for remark.

Foy has launched two Early Day Motions about firefighters within the Home of Commons – one in November 2022 about pay will increase, and a second in November 2023 about defending them from poisonous contaminants which might trigger most cancers.

Early Day Motions are utilized by MPs to attract consideration to campaigns however only a few are debated in Parliament.

She additionally lists an FBU worker below her identify on the register of MPs’ employees, which means they obtain a safety go for the parliamentary property.

Wrack was ousted because the FBU’s common secretary earlier this yr after dealing with a management problem from one other union official. He’s at the moment appearing common secretary of the schooling union NASUWT.

Foy mentioned in an announcement: “As a Member of Parliament I work with a variety of stakeholders, together with a lot of commerce unions.

“I’ve proudly advocated for paramedics, jail officers, lecturers, firefighters, medical doctors and different frontline employees in Durham, the broader North East and certainly the nation throughout my time as an MP – that work will solely proceed.”

The parliamentary commissioner for requirements declined to remark.