Tory MP banned from driving after using phone

A Tory MP has been banned from driving for six months after he was caught using his phone while driving. 

Security Minister and Tory MP Tom Tugendhat was caught by police using his phone while driving in Wandsworth High Street.

The MP for Tonbridge and Malling, who lives in Clapham, was caught driving with a phone while driving his his Skoda 4×4 on April 14.

Tugendhat appeared for a sentencing hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard that a police officer pulled over the MP in Wandsworth High Street and saw the phone in his left hand and confirmed that Mr Tugendhat was not using the phone to call emergency services using maps.

Judge Jack McGarva at Westminster Magistrates’ Court said: “Using a mobile phone in any way is a distraction.

“Without any doubt it impairs people’s ability to drive.”

He told the politician: “I would expect you to set a good example for the rest of us.”

Mr Tugendhat received six points on his licence for the offence, which added to the six he already had for two previous driving offences.

He was also ordered to pay a £1,000 fine, a surcharge of £100 and costs of £110.

Pictured top: Tory MP Tom Tugendhat (Picture: UK Parliament)