Labour MP Lisa Nandy criticised by business chief for saying “young people in Doncaster have to get out to get on” live on Good Morning Britain

Shadow foreign secretary and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy made the comments on Good Morning Britain when asked about Labour’s election performance.

But the comments were slapped down by business boss Dan Fell from Doncaster Chamber who said the comments were ‘unhelpful’ and ‘didn’t reflect’ what was going on in the borough’s economy.

Mr Fell added Ms Nandy had made the ‘throw away comments to make a wider point’ but added that Doncaster has ‘really compelling career prospects and career opportunities’ for young people.

Ms Nandy said: “Young people in places like Hartlepool, Wigan and Doncaster have to get out to get on.

“It means the good jobs have disappeared, it means they don’t have the spending power in those communities to sustain their high streets, their pubs, banks, post offices, their bus networks and we are determined to change that.

“We don’t want to see people propelled (into other areas of the country).

“I think the debate at the moment is who can be the party that makes sure that we get good jobs back into communities like Doncaster and Wigan – that’s what people want to know.”

In response to the comment, Mr Fell said: “It feels like that’s a throwaway comment to make a wider point, but equally, I think it’s really unhelpful.

“Instead of seeking to support and advocate for places like Doncaster and Wigan, I think what she’s done is misrepresenting what’s going on in our economy at the moment.

“I believe we have some cracking businesses in Doncaster and I think we’ve seen some terrific investment into economic growth over the last 10 years.

“We do have some really compelling career prospects and career opportunities for young people and people of all ages in Doncaster.”

Mr Fell added Ms Nandy’s comments were of ‘perverse timing’ as the chamber was about to host an event which partners 4,000 young people with 75 local employers.

The business boss did say he wanted Doncaster to also be exporting talent across the country and the world but said good jobs should be available for young people in the borough if they choose.

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