Minister: MP Candidates Dropped After MI5 Chinese Spy Warning

Two contenders reportedly had links to the United Front Work Department, which is behind most, if not all, of the Chinese Communist Party’s influence campaigns.

Undated handout photo issued UK Parliament of Conservative MP Maria Caulfield. Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament via PA

The Conservative Party took “swift action” and dropped potential candidates whom MI5 suspected to be Chinese spies, a minister said.

Health and women minister Maria Caulfield made the remarks on Thursday after a report said the Security Service warned the party about two potential candidates in 2021 and 2022.