Conservative MP Richard Holden fined £100 for dropping cigarette (original) (raw)
Image source, Conservative Party
Image caption,
Richard Holden was caught dropping a cigarette end outside an election count
A Conservative MP who urged people not to be "litter tossers" has been fined for dropping a cigarette.
Durham North West MP Richard Holden was caught outside an election count at the Louisa Centre in Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday and fined £100.
Last summer Mr Holden launched a lockdown litter-picking campaign and said it was "unacceptable" to leave "beautiful" areas strewn with rubbish.
His office has been approached for comment.
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Mr Holden was given a fixed penalty fine of £100 for littering
During the clean-up, he said on his website: "More broadly, I've a clear message. Don't be a litter tosser - just take it home."
Mr Holden also tweeted about a series of litter-picks he organised in his constituency last year.
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip twitter post by Richard Holden MP
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Neighbouring Labour MP Kevan Jones, who represents Durham North, which includes Stanley, said: "It is very hypocritical of him lecturing others on picking up litter when he is doing it himself."
Ian Hoult, Durham County Council's neighbourhood protection manager, said: "We can confirm one of our neighbourhood wardens observed two people littering outside the Louisa Centre, Stanley, during Saturday's local election count and issued them both with fixed penalty notices."
Related internet links
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.