Labour MP Mary Foy failed to declare relationship with union boss

Labour MP Mary Foy has referred herself to Parliament’s standards watchdog after lobbying on behalf of a trade union run by her partner.

The Durham MP is understood to be in a relationship with Matt Wrack, who was the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) for two decades until January 2025.

Foy introduced two campaigns in Parliament about the FBU and also received a £2,000 donation from the union in August 2024. She did not declare her relationship on the MPs’ register of interests.

Foy told the BBC: “I’ve contacted the standards commissioner to ensure all of my work is recorded in line with the rules – as any MP would.”

Wrack has not responded to a request for comment.

Foy has introduced two Early Day Motions about firefighters in the House of Commons – one in November 2022 about pay increases, and a second in November 2023 about protecting them from toxic contaminants which can cause cancer.

Early Day Motions are used by MPs to draw attention to campaigns but very few are debated in Parliament.

She also lists an FBU employee under her name on the register of MPs’ staff, meaning they receive a security pass for the parliamentary estate.

Wrack was ousted as the FBU’s general secretary earlier this year after facing a leadership challenge from another union official. He is currently acting general secretary of the education union NASUWT.

Foy said in a statement: “As a Member of Parliament I work with a wide range of stakeholders, including a number of trade unions.

“I’ve proudly advocated for paramedics, prison officers, teachers, firefighters, doctors and other frontline staff in Durham, the wider North East and indeed the country during my time as an MP – that work will only continue.”

The parliamentary commissioner for standards declined to comment.