Jeremy Hunt's Surrey office vandalised with ‘die Tory scum’ graffiti
Police have launched an investigation after Jeremy Hunt’s constituency office was vandalised as he finalised Wednesday’s Budget.
Doors and windows of the Chancellor’s headquarters in Hindhead, Surrey, were daubed with “Die Tory scum” graffiti in white spray paint on Monday evening.
Mr Hunt stood his ground following the attack and said: “The British people are famously tolerant, which is why we have one of the most robust democracies in the world.
“We won’t be deterred by a few idiots.”
It is the latest in a series of aggressive or criminal acts against MPs, their homes and offices.
Home Secretary James Cleverly recently bolstered security measures with a £31million package that will include providing elected politicians with a dedicated police contact.
Paul Harwood, 42, on Tuesday admitted setting fire to a shed belonging to Tory MP Mike Freer at his constituency office in north Finchley on Christmas Eve - but denied it was politically motivated.
Fellow Conservative Andrea Jenkyns also revealed a sick email she received laden with threats to her young son, but said last night: “I’m really angry about this. They’re not going to silence me!”
Tory backbencher Tobias Ellwood’s home was targeted last month by pro-Palestine protesters.
The family homes of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have also been set upon by environmental activists.
Two weeks ago, four people were arrested after a Conservative fundraising event in Stoke-on-Trent was disrupted by a “disgusting hate mob”, forcing it to be closed down.
Surrey Police issued an appeal for information over the graffiti at Mr Hunt’s office. Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to come forward.
A spokesman said: “Officers were called following reports of criminal damage at a property on Tilford Road in Hindhead, which is believed to have taken place between 8pm and 9pm on Monday, March 4.
“The criminal damage involved graffiti being sprayed on the windows on the outside of the property.
“No one was present in the property at the time of the criminal damage.”
Witnesses can contact Surrey Police via live chat on their website, quoting PR/45240025530.