The Rt Hon Sir Jonathan Murgatroyd today made this
statement:
“I regret having to take this step but in light of the
continuing unfounded allegations against me, I feel I have no option but make a
public statement at this time.
“I have never met Mr Gillard Ruddygore. I have never had a relationship with Mr
Gillard Ruddygore. I have never borrowed
money from Mr Gillard Ruddygore.
Although I have previously conversed with Mr Ruddygore electronically, ours
has always been a strictly business relationship. Until Sunday’s newspaper report, I believed Mr
Ruddygore to be a financial adviser from Runcorn.
“With hindsight, I should not have requested photographic
confirmation from Mr Ruddygore that he was as muscular as a bullock, nor should
I have suggested any form of attire he might wear in such a photograph. It was inappropriate and had no bearing on
any business venture we may have planned together.
“Nor should I have requested details of financial schemes
that have been wilfully misinterpreted by the gutter press as ‘get-rich-quick’
schemes. I merely hoped Mr Ruddygore, in
his role as a financial advisor, might be able to help me invest a small
windfall I had received from a family passing in a way that maximized my short
term gains. I certainly did not press Mr
Ruddygore for financial incentives in return for a business advantage associated
with my public duties.
“I would like to apologize if I have caused any misunderstanding
and in particular, to my beloved wife Doreen.
Arranging to meet Mr Ruddygore in our holiday home for a weekend was
perhaps an error of judgement, even though it provided a perfect location for a
long business meeting where we would not be overlooked or interrupted.
“I would like to reassure my constituents and the party that
I fully intend to put this unfortunate matter behind me and will resume my portfolio
of duties later today.
“That is all I have to say on the matter.”
Inspired by “Sir Jonathan Reaffirms Apple Role”
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