Government minister Ed Balls criticises Norwich MP

Ed Balls at Catton Grove Primary School

SARAH BREALEY
26 November 2009 06:30



One of Britain's most senior ministers has told Norwich South MP Charles Clarke to “put his talents to better use” than criticising the government.

On a visit to Norwich, schools secretary Ed Balls also predicted that Labour would win back Norwich North from Tory MP Chloe Smith and hold Norwich South at next year's general election.

The MP, who spent the first six years of his life in Bawburgh, near Norwich, added a bold forecast that his favourite team Norwich City were “two seasons from the Premiership”.

Mr Balls made his comments during Tuesday's visit to the In Harmony project at Catton Grove Primary in Norwich and the £12m Open youth venue in the former Barclays Bank building on Bank Plain in Norwich.

While at Open, he hit out at Mr Clarke's regular attacks on prime minister Gordon Brown and the government.

He said: “The first time he attacked the government Norwich City had done badly on Saturday. He thought about kicking the dog but he kicked the government instead. Unfortunately, he has kicked the government too often since. I wish he would put his talents to better use.”

He spoke of his sadness at Ian Gibson's shock resignation at Norwich North MP when he became embroiled in the MPs' expenses scandal. Ms Smith took the seat for the Tories in a by-election.

Mr Balls said: “Ian is a good friend of mine. We've been to football at Carrow Road together lots of times. He was the person who first hired my dad to work at UEA in 1966. He's got a Scottish accent but he's Norfolk through and through.

“I was in touch to say how sorry I was for what happened. If only it could've worked out a different way. We had a good candidate in Chris Ostrowski, but Ian would've won that by-election. With Ian's support we can win it back at the next election. It's a Labour seat and I think Norwich needs Labour MPs.”

He added that he was confident that Mr Clarke would be re-elected for a fourth term in Norwich South.

The MP for Normanton in West Yorkshire makes regular trips to Norfolk to see his parents, uncles and cousins, including spells sitting in traffic jams on the A11. Dualling of the final stretch of the A11, from Thetford to Barton Mills, is the subject of a public inquiry.

He said: “It's got to be a decision which first and foremost is for local people. There may be some people who say part of Norwich and Norfolk being special is that it's hard to get to. I personally think it would be really good for the economy and for jobs for it to be fully dualled.”

Mr Balls, who is married to MP Yvette Cooper and has three children - Ellie, Joe and Maddy - was upbeat about the Canaries' prospects.

He said: “When people ask me how things are going now, I say we are maybe two seasons off the Premiership.”

Do you have a political story to tell? Call Steve Downes on 01603 772495 or email steve.downes@archant.co.uk.

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