CARLISLE'S MP has hit back following criticisms of being the 'invisible MP' after it was revealed he was in the top 20 list of most hours worked in second jobs by members of parliament.
It was revealed by Sky News that John Stevenson MP had worked 1,140 hours in his second job, with 1,130 hours being racked up in his role at Bendles Solicitors.
The revelation prompted reactions from his political opponents.
Carlisle Labour Parliamentary candidate Julie Minns said on social media: "Being an MP isn’t a second job, it’s the job.
"If elected, being the MP for Carlisle would be my only job," she said.
Gavin Hawkton, Green Party parliamentary candidate, said: "Is it any wonder John is referred to as the 'invisible MP' for Carlisle?
"This investigation raises serious doubts about the extent of his commitment to serving the constituents of Carlisle.
"With a salary of £87k, there should be no need for MPs to pursue second jobs."
"If elected I would make being an MP my sole responsibility and donate a good part of that salary to local charities here in Carlisle. Public office should never be pursued for financial gain.
"It should be about prioritizing the needs of our communities and working towards positive change," he said.
Lib Dem campaigner Brian Wernham took the moment to point out that no Lib Dem was on the top 20 list.
John Stevenson (Conservative MP for Carlisle) bunks off one day a week from his £87k job as an MP to earn money on the side from his second job
— Cllr Brian Wernham 🔶 🇺🇦 🌈 (@BrianUkulele) July 15, 2023
John Stephenson MP is in the top 20 MPs who neglect their duties in this manner
No Lib Dem MP is in this list
Source: Sky News pic.twitter.com/Qwr9gGQeb6
“Parliament needs to be a mixture of backgrounds and interested if it benefits the nation," John Stevenson said.
"Having outside interests can add to this.
"However for me and most MPs our primary responsibility is to serve the community we are elected to represent and that is what we do.
"A very good example is our voting record.
"I have voted in over 82 per cent of votes while other MPs such as Tim Farron have only voted in 74 per cent of vote. Does that make him a worse MP?
"Also the most important thing is how effective an MP actually is.
"I am and will be very happy to fight the next election on my local record.
"Huge amounts of investment coming into the city which has and is helping our city develop and grow all for the better.
"At the end of the day it is up to the voters to decide how successful an MP has been and if they should be re-elected," he said.
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