WINDSOR’S long-serving MP has been made bankrupt after a judge heard how he owed hundreds of thousands of pounds.
A bankruptcy order was made against Conservative MP Adam Afriyie at an online hearing in the Insolvency and Companies Court on Tuesday, December 13, by Judge Nicholas Briggs after hearing he owed about £1.7m.
His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs filed a petition for bankruptcy against Mr Afriyie on October 25, 2021, over an unpaid bill from his crumbling business empire.
READ MORE: Windsor MP Adam Afriyie could see bankruptcy action
Adam previously said: “I will of course pay any tax that is due.”
Even though Windsor’s MP, who was elected in 2005, has been made bankrupt, it does not necessarily mean he will have to step down as an MP and trigger a by-election unless a bankrupt restriction order is made against him as set out under Parliamentary rules.
According to national reports, the petition relates primarily to the liquidation of IT firm Connect Support Services, which went into insolvency in 2017 and was sold by administrators.
READ MORE: Windsor MP Adam Afriyie reveals why he is stepping down
A spokesperson for Mr Afriyie previously said: “The petition arises for complex reasons related to Adam’s past business interests. Negotiations have been ongoing for several years and the petition is subject to legal challenge as his advisers are working towards reaching an agreement.”
The long-serving MP announced he will be stepping down at the next general election. The Liberal Democrats have been eyeing a by-election at the Windsor constituency, but Mr Afriyie has insisted one will not happen before the next general election.
Mr Afriyie was contacted for comment.
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