Did Festus Akinbusoye Take Paid Leave?

Tory candidate Festus Akinbusoye is facing scrutiny over whether he took any paid leave from his taxpayer funded role as Police and Crime Commissioner to campaign for the upcoming Mid-Bedfordshire by-election. Despite sharing campaign trail photos on social media, critics are questioning whether these were taken while he was still being paid from the public purse. While taking paid leave for campaigning is not illegal, Labour argues that it would be shocking if Akinbusoye opted for unpaid days off instead.

Potential Cost of Campaigning

The opposition party estimates that Akinbusoye could have earned £20,000 of his salary during the more than 90 days he spent vying for votes. However, the Conservative Party has chosen not to comment on these figures.

Labour Seeks Change

A Labour source expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Mid Bedfordshire, stating that the new Tory candidate offers more of the same. They urge the people of Mid Bedfordshire to vote for change by choosing Labour in the upcoming by-election.

Increase in Crime Rates

Since Akinbusoye's election as Police and Crime Commissioner, Bedfordshire has witnessed an 18% increase in sexual offences and a 24% increase in shoplifting rates. These figures raise concerns about the effectiveness of his tenure.

Tories Brace for Double By-Election Defeat

Rishi Sunak is preparing for a potential double defeat in the by-elections for Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire. Party strategists are downbeat about the Prime Minister's chances of securing a post-conference poll bounce. Traditional Tory voters are also causing concern, with worries that they may not turn out to vote.

Lib Dems Target Tory Votes

Hopes of holding on to Mid-Beds were dashed when the Liberal Democrats shifted their focus from attacking Labour to targeting Tory votes. If Labour were to win the seat, it would be the biggest ever majority overturned. Tamworth is also expected to be a significant loss for the Prime Minister.

The Conservative Party has declined to comment on these developments.