The Labour candidate for Tatton in the General Election has claimed some constituents have contacted him expressing their worry over Esther McVey's new role in the Cabinet.

The Labour candidate for Tatton in the General Election has claimed some constituents have contacted him expressing their worry over Esther McVey's new role in the Cabinet.

Dr Sam Rushworth, who stood for the opposition in the 2017 snap election in Tatton, is the latest to speak out against the appointment.

Earlier this week, Tatton MP Esther McVey was given the job of Work & Pensions Secretary during Theresa May’s cabinet reshuffle. 

But many have voiced concerns over her new role in Government.

The former TV presenter once claimed that the use of food banks was “right”. She also said that benefits sanctions “teach” job seekers to look for work seriously.

Ms McVey, who has previously served as minister for disabled people and later served as employment minister, was handed her new role after it was turned down by former Education Secretary Justine Greening.

Speaking to Silk News, Dr Rushworth said: “I’ve had a number of people contact me in the last couple of days to express their worries.

Particularly members of the public with disabilities, who remember the last time Esther was a Government minister, that was a period of great hardship and there was unnecessary pain inflicted on those who are vulnerable.”

Despite hearing these concerns though, Dr Rushworth thinks she can prove the doubters wrong, if she is willing to listen to the needs of the public.

“I think that the entire Conservative Party share the burden of blame for what happened under the last Conservative Government.

“I would like to think Esther will use this opportunity now to prove her critics wrong.”

Among some other criticisms of the Tatton MP are that she has consistently voted against raising welfare benefits at least in line with prices and consistently voted for a reduction in spending on welfare benefits.