NOT only does Darlington MP Alan Milburn – right – have a poor record for his engagement and voting in Parliament (HAS, Page 10, June 26), he also has a poor attendance record at events in his constituency.

His lateness and early leaving are notorious – as witnessed again last Friday at an important assembly in the town.

The impression given is that he always has more important things to do and we are often told we are “lucky to get some of his time in a very busy schedule”.

He needs to be reminded he is there to serve the people of this town, not the other way around. He is paid to work for and to represent local people and not the private companies he also represents.

He has always drawn expenses at the upper end of those claimed by MPs, presumably so he can give his wholehearted attention to Darlington’s affairs. As in Parliament, his attendance record in his constituency tells a different story.

In truth, we have a part-time MP who needs to be held to account. Had he stood at the next General Election the people of this town would likely have given a resounding “No” to being served part-time by an elected member working for private companies.

Councillor Alan Coultas, Conservative, Darlington Borough Council.