Calls for North Devon MP's resignation

Selaine Saxby in school meals row

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for North Devon MP Selaine Saxby to resign over her comments on free school meals – as the council she still sits on have announced they will use a local hardship fund to help.

The Conservative MP, in a post on North Devon News Facebook group under her personal account, stated that she hoped that if businesses in the area were able to offer free food, that they would not require further government assistance.

In the message that was later deleted, she said: “I am delighted our local businesses have bounced back so much after lockdown that they are able to give food away for free, and very much hope they will not be seeking any further government support.”

Calls have since been made by the Liberal Democrats in North Devon for her to resign, saying her apology isn’t good enough, while North Devon Council, where she remains a councillor for the Instow ward, have said they will be using their local hardship fund to provide financial assistance to schools in the area who then identified and provided direct help to families and pupils most at need.

In her apology, she said: “The portrayal of my recent comments on social media, out of context, does not accurately convey my views. I, of course, deeply regret any offence which may have been caused. I am proud that we live in a community where local businesses are keen to help others and it is this widespread community spirit that has got us through the first wave of the pandemic.

“I regularly work with local food banks and these have been in contact with me over an entirely different matter. I continue to work hard with these organisations and the wider community to ensure their voices are heard and I can represent any concerns. Yesterday morning, I again met with the tourism and hospitality industry about what further steps they want parliamentarians to take to help them through the winter with my Devon colleagues. We agreed to work on their behalf to try to secure extra measures from the Treasury recognising how difficult this time is particularly for our hospitality industry."

But the Liberal Democrats are calling for her resignation, and a petition has calling for it has already seen more than 3,000 signatures. Their North Devon spokesperson Alex White said: “Saxby must go. Her position has become completely untenable. When thousands of people are responding to her on social media, it’s clear she has lost local support. It is clear that the hospitality industry is rightly appalled and I struggle to see how schools and care settings can be asked to work with an MP who so obviously doesn’t believe in free school meal extension.

“In some parts of North Devon, one in three children live in poverty. Her comments are an insult not only to inspirational local eateries, but to parents and children across this constituency. This Tory MP has let down her constituency beyond belief. I really think she needs to consider the viability of her position against a backdrop of thousands of outraged constituents. In my opinion, she has proved not to represent the opinions of North Devon as she is elected to do and therefore, Saxby must go.”

A spokesman for North Devon Liberal Democrats added: “We’ve asked the Tory MP for an apology seven times. She hasn’t taken that opportunity once and I think that tells the people of North Devon everything they need to know.”

It comes as the local hardship fun, held by North Devon Council will be used to provide support to families who are suffering financial hardship directly as a result of covid-19. The fund can be used to provide support with basic essential needs, such as food, personal or household items, travel for essential hospital and doctor appointments, repairs and even gas and electricity costs.

During the summer, this fund was used to provide financial assistance to schools in the area who then identified and provided direct help to families and pupils most at need. The council is hoping to set up a similar arrangement for the Christmas school holidays. The fund has also been used to provide direct support to North Devon Food Bank and to fund other groups working with and supporting our local communities.

Leader of North Devon Council Cllr David Worden said: “Over the past week, the response from all sectors of the North Devon community to the free school meals issue has been fantastic and shows what North Devon does best; supporting its community.

“The local hardship fund is an emergency fund set up to help people who have been directly financially affected by COVID to help them with their basic needs.  There is nothing more basic than the need for food, so if people are not able to access any of the generous assistance offered by local businesses, or if those businesses themselves are struggling to support their offer, the fund may be able to help.”

North Devon Council’s lead member for housing Cllr Nicola Topham added: “North Devon Council has been helping the most in need in our community throughout the pandemic and we want to do as much as we can to continue supporting them, particularly if they need help with feeding children during the school holidays.

“If any families are having difficulties, this fund is available to assist. Also if any local businesses who have stepped up and offered support need help in providing that support, the fund could be available to assist with their efforts as well.”