Former North of Tyne Mayor challenges new Labour MP to debate on first 100 days in office
Jamie Driscoll said his former party's record in Government was "truly appalling"
by James Robinson · ChronicleLiveThe former Labour Mayor of the now-defunct North of Tyne Combined Authority has challenged one of Northumberland's new Labour MPs to a debate on the party's first 100 days in Government.
Jamie Driscoll, who quit the party in a row over the selection of the Labour candidate for the North East mayoral race, issued the challenge to Hexham MP Joe Morris. Mr Morris, who won the seat for Labour for the first time in the constituency's history, had been listing the Government's achievements since it took office.
However, Mr Driscoll - who came second as an Independent candidate to Labour's Kim McGuinness in the North East mayoral election - branded his former party's record as "truly appalling". In a post on social media, he challenged the MP to a "public debate" within the constituency and criticised Mr Morris for accepting tickets worth £1,660 to see Taylor Swift.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Mr Driscoll said: "I think it is universal that people thing Labour has done a bad job. I supported the programme Keir Starmer was elected as Labour leader on - where the party are now is unrecognisable.
"Most people are seriously questioning their competence and judgement. Some things have been okay - there has been some progress, but what is missing is what should have happened. Why did they not come in with plans ready?
"If Joe wants to say he disagrees, I will give him the opportunity to say so in a public forum."
Mr Driscoll - who has become a vocal critic of both Labour and the two-party system as a whole - said he was concerned about a lack of action on the NHS and criticised the decision to scrap winter fuel payments for most pensioners. However, he did admit there were "good things" included in the flagship Employments Right Bill.
Asked by the Chronicle to defend his Government's record from Mr Driscoll's criticism and if he would accept the offer of a debate, Mr Morris declined to comment.
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