Tory MP who wants huge tax cuts for tourist attractions handed donations by hotel bosses
Newly elected Nigel Huddleston leads eight MPs who want VAT cuts of up to £20billion to boost hotels and tourist attractions
A Tory MP who is calling for huge tax cuts for tourist attractions was given donations by hotel bosses.
Newly elected Nigel Huddleston leads eight MPs who want VAT cuts of up to £20billion to boost hotels and tourist attractions.
Backed by the British Hospitality Association, they are urging VAT on tourism is slashed from 20% to 5% to compete abroad.
But the Mid Worcs MP accepted a £3,000 election gift from Travelodge chief Peter Gowers and £2,000 from John Dunford, CEO of Butlins firm Bourne Leisure.
Both payments were openly registered.
But Mr Huddleston’s rivals have demanded a changed in the rules to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Neil Franks, from Mid-Worcestershire’s Green Party, said: “I think the law needs to change to stop these kind of situations occurring. It just looks odd.
“We would recommend that he avoids donations from companies and prominent individuals in the tourism industry so that there is no suggestion of conflict of interest with his new role.”
Mr Huddleston said he knew Mr Gowers from student days at Oxford. He said he was “a friend willing to help out”.
He said: “It should be no surprise that friends were willing to help out during the election - both of these donations were made before I got into parliament.
Mr Huddleston added the donations were “not dodgy at all” and he had registered the cash in a “transparent and open” way in line with election rules.
