With devastation set to hit Teeside in the wake of 1,700 job losses at the local steelworks, the credibility of the so-called ‘minister for the northern powerhouse’ has sunk to a new low after he claimed the issue was “not his responsibility” — despite also being an MP for the area.

James Wharton told TFM radio:

“I’ve not heard calls for my head. Steel policy’s not my responsibility.”

The news comes after Wharton missed a debate on the UK steel industry to attend a business dinner — outrageously accusing other MPs fighting to save the SSI plant in Redcar of “showboating”.

And having been feted by fellow Tories for turning his ultra-marginal Stockton South constituency into a 5,000 majority for his party, Wharton now been warned that his own jobs is now under threat:

@jameswhartonuk Your political career on Teesside is dependant on government intervention. Inaction will not be accepted by the public. — James Walker (@jameswalker1986) September 28, 2015

When there is good news, Cameron and Osborne are on site with their hard hats and hi-vis jackets — but are nowhere to be seen when an entire community is standing on the brink.