The ex-Cabinet Minister said incomes could be boosted by working two days a week there - opponents pointed out the lack of practicality in his suggestion
A leading Tory sparked fury today after advising “jealous” Northerners to work in London.
Ex-Cabinet Minister John Redwood said “good professionals” could boost their incomes by working two days a week there.
He then claimed the rest of Britain is “jealous” of “the mighty capital”.
Shadow Labour Minister Michael Dugher, MP for Barnsley East, fumed: “Same old Tories. They’re a bunch of latter-day Norman Tebbits, telling people to get on their bikes.”
The gaffe is hugely embarrassing for David Cameron as he tries to woo Northern voters ahead of next year’s general election.
Mr Redwood put his foot in it at a closed-doors event.
When asked how to address the imbalance between London and the rest of England, he urged: “When I last met business people in Liverpool... those earning the most were doing a day or two a week in London.
"That’s how to harness the mighty capital.”
The former Tory leadership contender, went on: “We have got to break down the jealousy.”
Maria Eagle, MP for Garston and Halewood in Merseyside and Shadow Environment Secretary, said: “Have you seen the fares on the West Coast mainline?
“And where would people stay down there? This Government is so London-centric.”
Mr Redwood’s outburst follows notable Tory putdowns of the North. Last year Lord Howell - George Osborne’s father-in-law – said the North was “desolate” and should be fracked for gas.
And in 2012 The PM allowed the appointment of an adviser who had argued the Government should give up on some “failing” northern cities.
Mr Redwood tonight scoffed at the criticism: “It’s the kind of idiotic spin you’d expect from Labour.
"What I was saying was some business people in Liverpool take London clients as well as Liverpool clients to have a better income. Nothing more.”
5.28 million in wage hell
One in five British workers are trapped in a spiral of low pay, earning less than the living wage, a study reveals on Monday.
More than 5.28 million workers are paid less than £7.65 per hour, or £8.80 in London, the minimum considered essential for a modest standard of living.
Part-time, young and female workers are most likely to be exploited, according to research by accountancy giant KPMG.
TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, said: “We need more living wage jobs, with decent hours and permanent contracts.”
