A LABOUR MP has been accused of exaggerating the part he played in attracting a major train builder to the region.

Scott Wood, Conservative candidate for Sedgefield, County Durham, claims MP Phil Wilson is stretching the truth by stating he led the campaign to ensure Hitatchi Rail Europe built a factory in Newton Aycliffe.

Mr Wood’s remarks are backed up by Claire Perry, the Conservative Rail Minister, who said:

“This is quite frankly a desperate lie from Labour. It was this Conservative government that awarded the £4.5b contract for the Intercity Express Programme.”

Mr Wilson, however, has hit back at the claims, highlighting how Hitachi selected Newton Aycliffe as a site in 2009 and how the last Labour government made the company the preferred bidder for the InterCity Express Programme.

The creation of Hitachi Rail Europe’s £82m factory in Newton Aycliffe is regarded as a major coup for the region, creating more than 700 skilled jobs.

Mr Wood said: “Of course Labour played a part in attracting Hitachi to the North-East but to claim credit is overstepping the mark and stretching the truth. The initiative was spearheaded by Durham County Council with active support from local leading Conservatives.”

Mr Wilson responded: “The present Coalition government had to be persuaded of the merit of allowing the project to go ahead.

“The campaign I led ensured the Government saw the economic importance of the Hitachi project to the North East.”

Mr Wilson pointed out how in 2012 Hitachi’s chairmen and chief executive, Alistair Dormer said local support had convinced the company of Newton Aycliffe before the contract was signed.

Mr Dormer added: “In particular, Phil Wilson led a campaign which transcended party political differences to ensure that the interests of his constituency were heard in Westminster.”