Hartlepool MP Stands Down as the Director of His Only Business, as Speculation Mounts Over the Labour MP’s Decision..
- teessidetoday
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Questions emerge over a town MP's decision to stand down from the directorship of a business he operated with his wife, as sources claim 'it was a calculated reason'....
31st Jan 2025
A former Hartlepool Labour councillor who stepped down to become the town’s MP has resigned from his only known business directorship—raising questions about the motive behind his departure.
Labour MP Jonathan Brash was reportedly notified back in November 2024 that his company, Hargreaves Brash Properties Ltd, faced being struck off the Companies House register unless he could provide a valid reason for it to remain active.
Failure to File Documents – A Costly Oversight?
Sources indicate that the potential strike-off was triggered by Brash’s alleged failure to submit required documents to Companies House. If a company is struck off, it loses its ability to trade, and any assets associated with it are forfeited to the Crown.
It is believed that the only valuable asset linked to Hargreaves Brash Properties Ltd was a bungalow in Spennymoor, County Durham said to be worth in excess of three quarters of a million pounds.
The property is thought to have been part of a business Brash co-managed with his wife, Pamela Brash, who also goes by the name Pamela Hargreaves.
Brash’s Resignation as Director—A Timely Move?
According to Companies House records, Jonathan Brash officially resigned as a director of Hargreaves Brash Properties Ltd on 27th January 2025—just over two months after the company was served with a compulsory strike-off notice. Interestingly, the strike-off was then later discontinued, leaving speculation over what led to this sudden change.
Trade Union Allegations and a Potential Frontbench Role?
Brash has previously faced criticism for allegedly being "in the pockets" of trade unions, after reports surfaced he received thousands of pounds from at least two trade unions to fund his election campaign last year.
The funding subsequently helping him to reclaim the Hartlepool constituency seat from Conservative MP Jill Mortimer, who had crushed Labour’s stronghold on the area following Mike Hill’s resignation over a sexual assault scandal.
With Brash now reporting no active directorships remaining for any personal financial gain, some sources suggest Brash’s decision may be a strategic manoeuvre—positioning himself for a future frontbench role within the Labour Government due to Brash's close political links with former Hartlepool MP Peter Mandleson.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Mr Brash had been elected as the chair of an all party group fighting for better recognition, resources, and opportunities for colleges. This is reportedly alongside his role in an all party group looking into the potential scrapping of Council Tax in favour of a new system of local government funding.
Could Brash be setting the stage for a more prominent role in Westminster?
As questions linger over his business resignation, one thing is clear: Jonathan Brash’s political ambitions in Westminster could be just beginning....
What do you think ?
Could Hartlepool Labour MP Jonathan Brash be getting set for a major role in Government ?
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