A COVENTRY MP has apologised to his constituents after being fined for littering.
Long-serving Labour MP for Coventry South Jim Cunningham has been condemned for ‘setting a bad example’ for people in the city.
Mr Cunningham said: “Some weeks ago I was rushing for a train at Coventry Station and in my haste to get the train I absent mindedly dropped a cigarette outside the station for which I received a £50 fine.
“It was a mistake, I shouldn’t have done it and I apologise.”
It is believed he was handed a £100 fine which he paid within two weeks. Consequently the fine was reduced to £50.
Coventry City Council’s website says it has a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ for people who drop litter.
The council has a team of officers who carry out regular patrols, issuing fines to offenders.
Leader of the Coventry Conservative group councillor Gary Ridley said: “I hope Jim Cunningham apologises.
“Casual littering sets a terrible example especially with current fly-tipping epidemic.
“Along with Julia Lepoidevin, Pete Male and other Coventry Conservatives I regularly do litter picks which wouldn’t be needed if it wasn’t for this kind of behaviour.”
Jim Cunningham has been MP for Coventry South since the new seat was formed in 1997.
It has been a stable Labour seat, despite being targeted in recent general elections by the Conservatives.
