Jeremy Hunt Says ‘We Won’t Be Deterred by Idiots’ After Attack on Constituency Office

Published on: 6 Mar, 2024
Updated on: 7 Mar, 2024

Graffiti daubed on Jeremy Hunt’s constituency office in Hindhead: Photo Georgia Hase

By Martin Giles

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had “DIE TORY SCUM” graffiti daubed on the windows of his constituency office in Hindhead on Monday evening (March 4).

The vandalism attack, first reported by the Haslemere Herald and Farnham Herald, comes amid rising concerns about MP safety and threats to democracy by extremist groups as expressed by the prime minister.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, in Parliament. He is currently the MP for Surrey South West.

But Mr Hunt, who delivered his budget today, appears undaunted. He 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.”

Those who work in the office are said to share Mr Hunt’s determination and his comment was echoed by the chair of the Godalming & Ash Conservative Association and former GBC leader Paul Spooner, who added: “I am very disappointed by the vandalism of our Constituency Association office shared by Godalming & Ash CA and Farnham & Bordon CA. However, it will not affect us continuing our work for the community in the name of democracy.”

Mr Hunt is the Conservative candidate for the new constituency of Godalming and Ash at the next general election, which has to be held this year. His main challenger, in what is expected to be a close contest, will be Lib Dem Paul Follows, currently the leader of Waverley Borough Council.

Mr Follows told The Guildford Dragon: “I resolutely condemn attacks like this. We live in a democratic country and there are proper ways to express discontent. Attacks against politicians of any party or none are unacceptable.

“My heart and support goes out to the staff of his office and I have spoken to the police borough commander for Waverley yesterday to seek assurances as to their safety and that the police will investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

A spokesperson for Surrey Police 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.

“If anyone has any information that could help our investigation, including any CCTV, dash cam, or helmet cam footage, please contact us via live chat on our website quoting PR/45240025530.

“No arrests have been made, but we are encouraging anyone with any information to contact us.”

It is understood that footage captured by cameras, visible on the office’s fascia, is with Surrey Police.

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