MP hits back in hospitality 'doom and gloom' row

Tim Farron raised concerns over the effect of government tax changes on Cumbrian hospitality businesses

An MP who was told he should be boosting local tourism rather than "spreading doom and gloom" has dubbed the criticism "utterly mind boggling".

Liberal Democrat Tim Farron raised concerns about hospitality businesses in parliament, claiming the Labour government's national insurance rise was hitting the Cumbrian economy.

However, leader of Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservatives James Alexander said the region's MP should be "pro-enterprise and proactive" instead of "constantly moaning in parliament".

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Farron said it was "utterly mind boggling" that Conservatives were calling on him to stop representing the "struggles of local people".

After Farron told ministers in Westminster that businesses in Cumbria were battling to survive in the face of high costs, Alexander said: "Do we really need our MP stoking the fires and reminding people of the government's many failings?

"Surely the overwhelming responsibility of our MP is to bring hope and vision to his constituents, rather than spreading doom and gloom."

He accused Farron of "telling the whole country that things are bad in the Lakes" and urged him to work with Cumbria Tourism to encourage visitors to Cumbria, or Kendal college for training opportunities.

But Farron said: "As our MP, it is my job to listen to the concerns of local businesses and raise those issues directly with government ministers when I'm down in Westminster.

"So it is utterly mind boggling that the Conservatives are publicly calling me for to stop representing the struggles of local people in parliament.

"I'm proud to meet and work regularly with Cumbria Tourism, Kendal College and a whole host of organisations and education providers as we fight together to get a better deal for Westmorland."