Tory MP Philip Davies lavishes praise on Esther McVey but misses crucial detail
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- 06 Nov 2021
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Philip Davies lavished praise on the Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey for her work on Universal Credit.
He told MPs: "I know better than most how hard the Secretary of State worked to get the support from the Chancellor in the Budget.
"Can I commend her for doing that."
He was crediting her with persuading Chancellor Philip Hammond to pour an extra £1.7billion a year into Universal Credit at last week’s Budget.
But the Tory MP failed to mention that they are not just parliamentary colleagues.
The pair have long been close, arriving at a Tory fundraiser in February arm-in-arm and leaving hand-in-hand.
In March Ms McVey was quoted in the Daily Mail saying: "We're partners but we haven't done any official commitment stuff... yet."
It's understood that they have had an on-off relationship for around five years and live together in London.
While last month the Sunday Express reported that the two MPs were considering tying the knot.
Ms McVey told the journalist she had become closer to Davies as a support when she received abuse.
"Having someone you can rely on when things are down, as well as being there for you when things are good, makes you really appreciate them," she said.
Asked about marriage she said: "Yes, it is something that probably will happen."
When the question of a wedding date was put to Mr Davies he replied: "It will be up to the boss to decide," gesturing towards Ms McVey.
In the Commons today Esther McVey also revealed how she visited Davies's Shipley constituency to meet volunteers at the local Trussell Trust food bank.
She described how their feedback had helped shape policy.
It is the kind of visit that many MPs would have been desperate to secure from the Secretary of State.
