Geoffrey Cox misses winter fuel votes while in Mauritius

In September 2024, Geoffrey Cox, a Conservative MP in the UK, faced scrutiny for missing parliamentary votes while engaged in a legal role in Mauritius. From September 11 to 13, he represented the chief prosecutor of Mauritius in a constitutional case, which coincided with critical votes on cuts to the winter fuel allowance. His absence from these votes, particularly during a time when many vulnerable pensioners were concerned about their financial security, sparked outrage among political opponents and the public alike. Cox's reported earnings from his second job have exceeded £500,000 this year, raising concerns about the potential conflict between his parliamentary duties and private legal practice. Critics, including the Liberal Democrats, have accused him of being out of touch with the needs of his constituents, emphasizing that his absence during important votes reflects a broader issue of accountability among MPs. The situation is compounded by previous controversies surrounding MPs' outside employment, which have led to calls for reform. While the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had promised to impose restrictions on MPs' second jobs, many proposals were ultimately abandoned. The current government under Keir Starmer has introduced new measures to limit MPs' outside work, but a blanket ban has not been implemented. Cox's spokesperson defended his actions, stating that he had informed party whips and was paired for the votes, suggesting that his absence was accounted for. However, the incident has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of MPs and the need for greater transparency in their professional commitments.