LOCAL MP Rachel Gilmour has been criticised for missing a Parliamentary vote on the Government’s proposals for a tax raid on family businesses, higher National Insurance contributions for employers, and rising business rates.

Exmoor farmer and Conservative campaigner James Wright also highlighted her slowness in speaking out against new car parking charges proposed by fellow Liberal Democrats at Somerset Council.

Mr Wright said: “Rachel Gilmour is missing in action when it comes to standing up for businesses in Tiverton and Minehead.

“She had a chance to fight against Labour’s tax hike in Parliament and failed.

“Now, she is silent as her own party pushes through anti-business policies at Somerset Council.

“Businesses in our area are struggling, and they deserve an MP who will fight for them. Not one who sits on the fence.

“Businesses need an MP who will fight their corner, not a career politician who dodges the tough decisions.”

A spokesperson for Mrs Gilmour said she had spoken out against the council’s car parking proposals in a message posted on the social media platform X.

The spokesperson said: “Rachel’s actions in support of family and small businesses across Tiverton and Minehead, in opposition to the disastrous Labour jobs and family farm tax, have been consistent.

“She and her Liberal Democrat colleagues in Parliament have been steadfast in their opposition to Labour’s measures, and vocal in supporting action to reform business rates, turbo-charge growth, and support the rural economy.”

They said the Parliamentary vote was on a ‘deeply flawed’ Conservative motion which failed to recognise the extreme damage the party caused to the UK economy during its time in power and was not something Liberal Democrats could support.

It did not include any mention of the importance of improving family-related leave, sick pay, and conditions for those on zero hours contracts.