A POLITICAL row has erupted after a Tory MP claimed he "worked harder" than his rivals in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Leominster's Bill Wiggin sparked the controversy by comparing the Westminster record of himself and his fellow Conservatives with the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Wiggin highlighted House of Commons research showing he contributed to 58 debates and Mid Worcestershire's Peter Luff to 42 in the 2001/2 Parliamentary session.

He contrasted this with Hereford Lib Dem Paul Keetch's record of taking part in 30 debates.

Mr Wiggin said his record, along with that of Mr Luff, "indicated a greater level of commitment to constituents as well as proceedings in Westminster" than Mr Keetch.

The MP also seized on Mr Keetch's voting record, which shows he took part in 52 per cent of divisions.

Mr Wiggin pointed to his record of 70 per cent, along with Mr Luff's 74 per cent and West Worcestershire Tory MP Sir Michael Spicer's 70 per cent.

And he also contrasted MPs' records for asking oral and written Parliamentary questions. He has asked 353 questions and Mr Luff 357 - compared to Mr Keetch's 225.

He singled this out despite Mr Keetch having asked more questions than Sir Michael (40), who is chairman of the Tory backbenchers' 1922 Committee.

Mr Keetch also contributed to more debates than Sir Michael (17).

Mr Keetch reacted with fury to Mr Wiggin's comments, pointing out his job as a member of the Lib Dem shadow cabinet is to speak on defence matters.

Mr Wiggin, who stood for election in Burnley before landing his seat in 2001, speaks and asks questions on a wide range of subjects.

Mr Keetch said: "I was born and bred in my constituency, unlike Mr Wiggin who ended up in Leominster because he was looking for a safe seat after failing to get elected in Burnley.

"To suggest he can represent Herefordshire constituents better than I can is just outrageous."

Mr Wiggin did not comment on the record of Labour MPs or Independent MP Dr Richard Taylor. Worcester's Mr Foster voted in 83 per cent of divisions.

Wyre Forest MP Dr Taylor had a 43 per cent voting record. As an Independent, he is not ordered to vote by party whips.

Mr Foster is a ministerial aide in the education departments, which limits his opportunity for asking questions or speaking in debates. He asked 46 questions and took part in four debates.