The former Tory MP for Northampton South, David Mackintosh, has been interviewed by police investigating the disappearance of millions of pounds of taxpayer’s money.
The investigation concerns the private company 1st Land Ltd, who were one of those contracted to carry out work on Northampton Town FC’s football ground in 2015/2016.
Approximately £8.75m was transferred to 1st Land Ltd from Northampton Town FC, who had previously received the funds on loan from the Council – a loan that was signed off by Mr Mackintosh as leader of the Council at the time.
That money is now unaccounted for. And – as for the football stadium – aside from minor cosmetic works, it has absolutely nothing to show for the over £10.25m which was loaned in total to Northampton Town FC by the council.
Now embroiled in the investigation is the former Tory MP Mr Mackintosh, who also happened to receive donations from 1st Land Ltd totaling £30,000 during his various election campaigns before the end of his tenure in 2017.
Dalbir Tapia, an eyewitness near Mr Mackintosh’s home, told the BBC that:
“I saw a large van with the words Tactical Support Unit along with an unmarked police car in Mr Mackintosh’s driveway.”
“The front door was open and I saw officers leaving with items inside a clear plastic bag.”
Northamptonshire Police said in a statement:
“During the course of this week a 39-year-old man from Northampton has been assisting officers investigating the missing Sixfields development money.
“The individual attended for voluntary interview under caution.”
Whilst Mr Mackintosh himself said:
“I attended an interview on a voluntary basis to assist Northamptonshire Police with their general enquiries.”
“As this is an ongoing matter I will not be commenting further at this stage.”
Plain clothed and uniformed officers were seen entering and leaving Mr Mackintosh's house in Northampton on Monday, carrying items away.
Mr Mackintosh says he very much welcomed the opportunity to speak with the police.
His full statement to the BBC: pic.twitter.com/l74xEc3FxQ
— Matt Precey (@mattcprecey) March 28, 2018
Depending of where this goes, this could be another big problem for the local Tory party. If it hadn't been for the snap election, there is every possibility that Mackintosh would still be MP here. https://t.co/IAiqQM64gn
— Natalie Bloomer (@natalie_bloomer) March 28, 2018
Quick reminder of Mackintosh's involvement with the loan: he was was of the borough council when the loan was approved. He was said to have pushed it through quickly.
— Natalie Bloomer (@natalie_bloomer) March 28, 2018
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, yet another Tory MP may soon be facing charges of fraud. With a loan that Mr Mackintosh signed off on, which was meant to go to private contractors in order to rebuild Northampton’s football ground, that may have funded his re-election campaign: and the Tories belittle Russia?
The news also comes on the back of the Tories having been fined £70,000 for their breaches of campaign spending rules during the General Election.
all the incidents combined truly highlight a party rotten to core, but which, with the help of the right wing press’ virtual silence, is able to dress in virtue.
