Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, has hit out at Labour in Norfolk County Council after an exchange of correspondence which she says “beggars belief”.
Chloe sent a letter to Norfolk County Council, and to all councils serving her constituency.
But in a reply, leaked to the BBC before it has even been received by Chloe, Labour cabinet member Margaret Wilkinson angrily rejected the constructive letter and told Chloe: “We have a rather full diary at the moment.”
Her reply apparently referred to the county council’s failed waste incinerator proposal, and their performance in children's services.
Chloe comments:
“The response from this Labour politician is really very sad. It’s downright discourteous to veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces if the Labour administration at County Hall doesn’t have the time or the gumption to commemorate the sacrifices made during World War 1. My letter laid out the funds that the government is making available and was polite and constructive as to how we might work together to do this in Norwich. What seems to have come back is pathetic party politics which shows utter disrespect for those of my constituents who do want to mark the centenary. Is this what Labour really thinks of those who have sacrificed so much for their country?”
Paul Wells, chairman of Norwich Conservatives, added:
“It is important to take time and remember our brave men and women who fought for our country. The response is a disgrace, and for such an important landmark as this, there is no room for playing party politics.”
He has written to Jessica Asato and Clive Lewis, calling on them to distance themselves from Labour’s “outrageous attitude” and speak out against the disrespectful behaviour shown by their party.