Water firm boss spared quizzing by MPs

Susan Davy, chief executive of Pennon Group - South West Water's parent company - had been called in by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

A water company boss will no longer be questioned by MPs due to the upcoming general election.

On Wednesday, Susan Davy - chief executive of South West Water's (SWW) parent company Pennon - was called in by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee over the handling of the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham, Devon.

But hours after the committee spoke to Ms Davy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election will take place on 4 July.

The committee said due to parliament being dissolved on 30 May, the meeting with Ms Davy on 5 June will not take place.

A spokesperson for the committee said it was unable to confirm whether a future committee would call Ms Davy in.

'Deeply troubled'

The UK Health Security Agency said 57 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis, which caused vomiting and diarrhoea, had been reported in Brixham.

Sir Robert Goodwill MP, the committee's chair, said in a letter to Ms Davy that MPs had been "deeply troubled" by SWW's response to the outbreak.

In response, Ms Davy told the committee she was "100% focused" on the incident.

South West Water asked 17,000 properties to boil tap water before using it

SWW's response has been criticised over its handling of the outbreak, with Brixham's local MP Anthony Mangnall describing it as "deeply disappointing".

On 14 May, SWW said tap water was safe to drink, only to perform a U-turn a day later and asking 17,000 properties to boil water before using it.

On Saturday, SWW lifted the boil water notices for 14,500 properties.

The company has apologised for the "significant disruption" the outbreak has caused.

The BBC has made multiple requests to interview Ms Davy about the cryptosporidium outbreak.

Compensation increased

On Thursday, SWW said: "We're working around the clock to resolve the situation for the 2,500 households impacted across the Hillhead supply area.

"Yesterday [Wednesday] over 40 South West Water crews began delivering bottled water to properties across the boil water notice area."

The company said more compensation would be paid to some customers.

SWW said people living in the Hillhead area still affected by boil water notices would be given an extra £50, taking their total to £265.

Brixham resident Julie Bryant said it was disappointing the outbreak had not been resolved

Brixham resident, Julie Bryant, who still has to boil her tap water, said her son had a "really bad" upset stomach for more than a week.

She said whilst SWW had worked hard since the outbreak, it was disappointing the matter had not been resolved.

"I just want it all to end," Ms Bryant said.