Sir Jim Paice MP criticised over First Milk chairmanship

Sir Jim Paice has represented South East Cambridgeshire since 1987

An MP has been criticised for taking up a new role in the dairy industry while still working for his constituents.

Sir Jim Paice, former food minister and current Conservative MP for South East Cambridgeshire, was unveiled as First Milk's new chairman on Tuesday.

Huw Jones, a Labour candidate for the seat, said: "Which is Jim Paice putting first? Milk or his constituents?"

Sir Jim said the new job was one day a week, which he could "squeeze in quite reasonably" amongst his normal work.

In March, Sir Jim announced he would not stand again at the next general election in 2015, after representing his constituency since 1987.

He lost his ministerial post in agriculture and food last year after holding it for two years.

On Tuesday, First Milk said Sir Jim would take up the new post on 31 October on a reported salary of £125,000 a year.

The co-operative supplies a wide range of dairy products to customers around the world.

'Champion for farmers'

Mr Jones said: "Although he is not seeking re-election in South East Cambs in 2015, it seems he plans to take on an additional job at First Milk this October.

"I believe the people of South East Cambs should expect their MP to be representing them and their country, not anyone else."

Sir Jim said the role will be part-time.

"I have to stress I remain an MP for my constituents," he said.

"It's an average of a day a week, which I think I can squeeze in quite reasonably and still continue to represent my constituents.

"I'm not going to deny that I'm being paid very reasonably for it, but that's not the primary objective.

"If I had still been minister then I wouldn't have even been considered for this job and I wouldn't have allowed my name to go forward for it."

Current First Milk chairman Bill Mustoe said: "[Sir Jim] has been a champion for farmers at Westminster for over 25 years and we now look forward to him being a champion for First Milk farmers."