WORCESTER'S MP has responded to critical comments from the Worcester Conservatives on his first months as the city's representative.

Tom Collins became the first Labour MP to represent Worcester in parliament in over 14 years when he was elected in July, but found his first months in office disrupted by summer recess and the conference season.

Seb James, deputy chair of the Worcester Conservatives, said: "Over the course of the General Election, Tom Collins promised to prioritise people over party.

"He sat at hustings and assured constituents that bills would come down this winter, waitlists would be slashed and that his only focus would be constituency. 

"All of these have been lies.

"It appears to many people that we speak to, that Tom is determined to be the last to do everything, rather than getting things done."

In response, Mr Collins said: "Before the election, I promised to work hard and serve our city by bringing people together to solve problems and offering outstanding support to local people.

"That is still my mission and I am working hard to ensure that Worcester gas a visible and accessible MP's office, staffed by a professional team with expert backgrounds.

"The feedback I am getting from residents is that they are really pleased with the quality of support that we are offering."

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Earlier this month, Mr Collins told the Worcester News that his new constituency office would be open and fully staffed by the end of the year.

Mr James said: "The majority of new MP's already have offices and have filled their staff vacancies, so it seems effort rather than opportunity is what accounts for his lack of progress.

"It took four months for him to speak his only words so far in Parliament, despite him taking over £30,000 salary in that time."

Mr Collins replied: "I've worked hard to secure a permanent location where people can reach me easily, where we can host workshops and discussions, and where we can run a serious professionally staffed operation to serve the city.

"Doing things well can take time and I'm not prepared to cuts corners.

"Worcester deserves an outstanding service from their MP."