Jeremy Hunt’s constituency office in Surrey has been vandalised with graffiti saying “die Tory scum” on the eve of his spring budget statement.
Police are investigating after the front door and two windows of the chancellor’s local office in Hindhead were defaced.
The graffiti was discovered on Tuesday morning. Hunt’s constituency office was likely to have been vandalised between 8pm and 9pm on Monday, according to Surrey police.
The chancellor and MP for South West Surrey said he would not be “deterred” by the attack on his office.
A spokesperson for Surrey police said: “Officers were called following reports of criminal damage at a property on Tilford Road in Hindhead, which is believed to have taken place between 8pm and 9pm on Monday 4 March.
“The criminal damage involved graffiti being sprayed on the windows on the outside of the property. No one was present in the property at the time of the criminal damage.
“If anyone has any information that could help our investigation, including any CCTV, dashcam or helmet cam footage, please contact us via live chat on our website quoting PR/45240025530.”
The incident comes amid increased concerns about MPs’ safety and security arrangements. It was reported last month that three female MPs were given bodyguards and cars after a risk assessment.
The MPs, who have not been named, have been given close protection by private companies and chauffeur-driven vehicles.
Tom Tugendhat, the security minister, is understood to have been working with the Home Office, police chiefs and parliamentary authorities to bolster the safety and security of MPs.
Lisa Nandy, the Labour MP and shadow international development secretary, recently spoke of how she carried a police alarm with her everywhere and only saw her constituents by appointment.
Lindsay Hoyle recently warned of the growing threat to politicians. The Commons speaker also spoke of his deep concern about the security of MPs being a factor in his decision to break with precedent and allow Labour to table a vote during an SNP debate calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
He told MPs: “I will defend every member in this house. Both sides, I never ever want to go through a situation where I pick up a phone to find a friend, whatever side, has been murdered by terrorists. I also don’t want an attack on this house.”
Hoyle added: “The details of the things that have been brought to me are absolutely frightening. I am guilty because I have a duty of care that I will carry out to protect people. It is the protection that led me to make the wrong decision.”
