War of words erupts between Liz Truss and South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy

A war of words has erupted between Liz Truss and South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy - with both accusing each other of neglecting residents.

Ms Truss, who held the seat from 2010 until Mr Jermy ousted her at last month’s general election, has accused her Labour successor of letting his constituents down.

She says that a series of announcements from the newly-elected Labour government backed by Mr Jermy will have a “severely detrimental impact” on them.

However, Mr Jermy has hit back by describing the former Prime Minister’s comments as “amusing” - insisting he is focused on getting results for residents after years of “neglect”.

Ms Truss has been largely silent on her future in West Norfolk since the election, but her comments suggest she is willing to fight to regain the seat she held for 14 years.

She said: “A month since Terry Jermy’s election as Labour MP for South West Norfolk and he has already left a trail of broken promises and betrayal in his wake.

“I worked with fellow Conservative MP James Wild to secure funding for a new hospital to replace the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, but the Labour Government has now put the new hospital in doubt by instigating a review of that decision.

“The Government has also told thousands of vulnerable Norfolk pensioners that they are taking away the Winter Fuel Allowance on which they rely to heat their homes during the coldest months.

“And we now face the misery of limited access to GP appointments after the doctors’ union voted to take industrial action – presumably encouraged by the Chancellor caving in to other public sector unions with a £9billion bonanza of inflation-busting pay rises.

“This is a shocking indictment of four weeks of Labour in power – four years of this will be unbearable for people in South West Norfolk.”

Ms Truss also made reference to the fact that Mr Jermy has yet to make a maiden speech in the House of Commons, and has not asked any oral or written questions in the chamber.

But Mr Jermy - who overturned a 26,000 majority to win his South West Norfolk seat - has laughed off the arguments.

“Liz Truss criticising myself for inactivity is definitely one of the most amusing comments I’ve heard over the last month,” he said.

“I’ve been pleased with progress made, meeting a variety of stakeholders in the constituency and pressing Ministers and others in London. I’ve got a lot of work to do, not least building up trust locally after years of neglect from the previous Member.

“I’m determined to show what a difference a hardworking MP can make and have been focused on building my team to take things forward. I’m focused on getting results for residents and making their lives better.

“My task as the local MP and of course the Government’s task is particularly difficult given Liz Truss’ failed time as Prime Minister and her disastrous mini budget which we are still paying for.

“Local residents felt the impact in their own personal finances and the Government is still picking up the pieces with public finances.”

The spat between the pair could fire a very early starting gun in the race to win when the next general election comes around.

Ms Truss’ renewed focus on South West Norfolk issues hints that she still has unfinished business in the area, and will be looking to drum up more support in the coming years.

Matt Sawyer, chairman of the South West Norfolk Conservative Association, said: “Liz Truss and the Conservatives had a track record of delivering for the people of South West Norfolk, including getting the funding for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“Four weeks in, and already Labour and Terry Jermy are reversing this progress.

“Our new MP has put the Labour Party’s agenda before the people of Norfolk - jeopardising the future of the QEH.

“Jermy has not said he will vote against taking the Winter Fuel Allowance away from pensioners and is already back-tracking on the pledges made during the election campaign.”