Penny Mordaunt, the former Conservative MP and leader of the House of Commons, was compelled to enhance security measures at her home and constituency office after being targeted by a stalker, a jury at Southampton Crown Court has been told. Mordaunt broke down in tears as she recounted the ordeal, describing how Edward Brandt, 60, bombarded her with emails and calls, and jumped a security barrier at her office, leaving her feeling vulnerable and drained.
Mordaunt told the court she believed Brandt sought a romantic relationship with her. “The situation took its toll on me. You’re constantly having to think about whether he was going to be in your workplace or on your street,” she said. Brandt, a resident of the Isle of Wight, denies a charge of stalking involving severe harm or distress.
Prosecutor Robert Bryan highlighted that Brandt was not a constituent of Mordaunt, who represented Portsmouth North until 2024. Bryan noted that MPs are entitled to the same legal protection as anyone else, but their baseline level of fear is higher due to past tragedies. He detailed how Brandt began contacting Mordaunt’s office in autumn 2023, asking for a cup of tea and inquiring about her security. In December 2023, Brandt allegedly attempted to leap the barriers at her constituency office, triggering alarms and prompting security to escort Mordaunt to her car.
Despite police warnings, Brandt continued to email Mordaunt, including a birthday message in March 2024 and a May 2024 message stating, “I am just going to keep knocking on your door until you open it and let me shake your hand.” Mordaunt testified that the situation forced changes to her routine, including increased security at her office, removal of signage, installation of CCTV, and provision of personal alarms for herself and staff. “He made me feel very vulnerable and I had concerns for my own safety,” she said.
