A WAR of words broke out between Plymouth Labour MP Luke Pollard and Tory council leader Richard Bingley as the city was hit by the national rail strike yesterday.
The two politicians have written to each other, with Mr Bingley asking why the MP received a donation from the main rail union and Mr Pollard accusing the councillor of political point-scoring and using "playground tactics".
In a heated exchange, carried out via emailed letters, the two men clashed over whether the Tory Government was to blame for the strike and whether Mr Pollard supported the industrial action.
Mr Bingley wrote to the shadow minister first, his polite, but nonetheless strongly worded, missive asking if a report in a national newspaper regarding donations to Mr Pollard's office was correct.
The paper had said £3,299 had been donated from the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and cited the Register of Members Financial Interests as its source.
Mr Bingley asked if this was true and if Mr Pollard supported the strikes and continued: "If not, can you please join with me in writing to the RMT general secretary to condemn this industrial action and urge RMT members to turn to negotiations."
Mr Pollard, in an equally polite yet firm response, replied accusing the Conservative of political point scoring. Mr Pollard wrote: "I am quite amazed you have decided to send me such a party political email, especially after we spoke saying we wanted to work together in the best interests of the city."
This story is from the June 22, 2022 edition of The Herald.
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This story is from the June 22, 2022 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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