MP calls for public inquiry after the then Conservative-led county council wasted £21m of taxpayers’ money

Local MP Tim Farron is calling for a public inquiry after the Cumbria County Council were left with a £21m bill after a row with highways contractor Amey.

Action was taken by Amey against the County Council following the authority's decision to withhold over £4m that was owed as part of a seven-year contract.

The county council was ordered to pay £11.6m to Amey following a High Court trial, while also covering its own legal costs - which totalled £10m.

Tim said: "This wilful display of incompetence by the former leadership of the council has led to £21m of hard working people's money being poured down the drain.

"That money could've been spent on vital local services like bringing a radiotherapy unit to Westmorland General Hospital or electrifying the Lakes Line.

"This negligence has cost local people 40 quid each, and they want answers. This is why I'm calling for there to be a public inquiry, with all the officials and councillors who were involved at that time being made accountable for this mess".