A Tory MP has been caught on CCTV removing a security camera from the home of a tenant that he was attempting to evict.
Gary Streeter, an MP since 1992, has been trying to get Layla Williams out of a bungalow he owns on his farm in Plympton, Devon, since she ceased paying rent in January.
Mother-of-one Williams, 38, initially moved in to look after Streeter’s flock of horses in 2018 and house-sit while he and his wife were away after working for him for two years.
The MP for South West Devon secured a Section 8 Notice against Williams at Plymouth County Court and said he would get the bailiffs to remove her if she did not vacate soon.
He denied any form of harassment and added he secured the order because she had not paid rent for months.
But Williams said she had stopped paying rent on advice after claiming necessary repairs were noy being carried out.
She claimed a Section 21 had initially been served against her.
The tenant, who has now found a new property, added that she did not fight the order and would comply and move out soon.
Williams said she had three security cameras put up.
Streeter has been a Conservative MP for South West Devon since 1997, previously holding the nearby seat of Plymouth Sutton between 1992 and 1997.
He denied any form of harassment and claimed he had been “patient and kind” in dealing with her as a tenant.
He told the press: “The tenant was served with a section 8 notice because she has paid no rent since January 2023.
“For the past two years, to help her, we have accepted a lower rent of £550 per month for a two-bedroom bungalow in the South Hams, rather than £700 as per the tenancy agreement.
“There has been no harassment at any time, just a great deal of patient kindness.
“On 19th September 2023 Plymouth County Court granted an order for possession within 14 days, plus judgement for the £4,400 arrears plus costs.
“The bailiffs will be instructed as she has still not vacated.
“I will not be making any further public comment.”
