An MP who has part of his constituency covering the western side of Preston has been suspended.

Mark Menzies, MP for Fylde, which sees the most eastern edge of his constituency covering some of the Preston City Council area, has refuted claims published in The Times.

He was suspended by the Conservatives after reports he called to ask for money to pay off “bad people”.

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Mr Menzies is reported to have paid out £6,500 after being locked in a flat by the people involved. The Times says the funds were paid out of local Conservative party moneys.

In a statement to the Times, Mr Menzies said: “I strongly dispute the allegations put to me. I have fully complied with all the rules for declarations.

“As there is an investigation ongoing I will not be commenting further.”

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “The Conservative Party is investigating allegations made regarding a member of parliament. This process is rightfully confidential.”

Mr Menzies was elected as MP for the Fylde in 2010.

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