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Cheltenham's Tory MP Alex Chalk has been criticised for visiting a foodbank and "looking sad" after voting to cut welfare spending.

Mr Chalk visited Cheltenham Foodbank, in St George’s Road, yesterday and spoke out on how families who rely on free school meals often struggle during the summer holidays.

During the visit he told Gloucestershire Live: “I sympathise wholeheartedly. It’s not easy. Life can be a struggle."

But Cheltenham borough councillor Max Wilkinson (LD, Oakley) has called on the MP to "take responsibility for his callous voting record instead of visiting local charities looking sad".

(Image: Eloisa Wildsmith Photography)

He also hit out at a tweet by Prime Minister Theresa May congratulating Mr Chalk for visiting Cheltenham Open Door, a charity that helps vulnerable, lonely and homeless people.

Mr Chalk has consistently voted to cut spending on welfare benefits, according to a record compiled by TheyWorkForYou.com.

In line with Tory policy, he has voted to reduce the household benefit cap and cut tax credits.

Mr Wilkinson, the Lib Dems' prospective parliamentary candidate, said: "If the Tories are so concerned about hungry children and vulnerable people, why are they continuing to cut support for the most needy in society?

“It’s very nice for Alex to visit charities, put on a sad face and congratulate volunteers, but it would be even better if he stopped voting to cut support for the most vulnerable in society.

“Having seen the misery his party is causing, it’s time for him to take responsibility for his actions and apologise – Cheltenham people demand better than this outrageous hypocrisy.”

"A bit rich"

(Image: Rob Lacey)

Cheltenham's Labour party chairman Malcolm Bride also accused Mr Chalk of hypocrisy.

He said: “To see Alex Chalk grabbing a PR opportunity to wring his hands over Cheltenham’s hungry children is more than a bit rich.

"The Conservatives are directly responsible for the misery inflicted upon families throughout the nation after eight years of heartless austerity policies.

"And for most of that time they were aided and abetted by the Lib Dems in coalition."

How the Tories responded

A Conservative party spokesman pointed to Mr Chalk backing a £1million fund to help Gloucestershire's long-term rough sleepers.

The spokesman said Mr Chalk has supported a £2million programme for healthy meals and activities for poorer children across the country.

"These desperate personal attacks on Cheltenham’s hard working MP are petty and do the Lib Dems no credit," they added.

"Alex Chalk has backed bold measures to support disadvantaged people.

"Let’s not forget that the Lib Dems in Government voted to cut welfare spending by £21billion, introduced the bedroom tax and the infamous increase in tuition fees."

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