Readers have shared their thoughts on their MPs views on last week’s local election results.

Carlisle’s Conservative MP John Stevenson said the results – which saw the Labour Party lose two seats in Carlisle – reflected growing public appreciation of Government efforts to rebalance the economy.

In the elections, the Conservatives made gains across England, adding 13 councils and an extra 236 councillors to their tally while Labour has lost control of eight councils, including Durham County Council.

Among the biggest shock was the defeat inflicted on Labour in the Hartlepool by-election, with voters electing a Conservative MP for the first time in 62 years.

And now, News & Star readers have had their say.

Brian Smith said: “Part of the problem is that in a lot of cases ‘the working man’ no longer sees himself or herself, as working class.

“Labour under Keir Starmer has become just another version of the Tory party. Would-be Labour voters are now thinking what’s the point of voting, hence the disastrous General Election results.”

Tim Lewthwaite commented: “Labour may not be perfect but they’ll always be for the working man and woman. That’s not to say they don’t have a lot of listening to do.”

Linda Weightman said: “I won’t take any lessons from Stevenson about what is best for the working man seeing as he does so little to represent them.”

Let us know what you think at letters.carlisle@cnmedia.co.uk