THE Government must not let a steelworks transformation pledge be derailed by the “petulant” sacking of Lord Michael Heseltine, it has been claimed.

Redcar MP Anna Turley last night called on Prime Minister Theresa May to ensure the overhaul of SSI UK’s former site continues without the veteran Tory peer, so Conservative ministers can repair “the damage they have done”.

The warning came after Lord Heseltine, drafted in as a figurehead for the regeneration of the area, was sacked as a Government advisor for rebelling over Brexit in the House of Lords.

SSI’s ex-base has stood empty since the company’s collapse into liquidation 18 months ago.

Its closure caused thousands of job losses, both at the company and in the local supply chain, with many former steelworkers, who are now back in employment, on substantially lower pay.

While admitting she didn’t always see eye-to-eye with the Tory grandee, Ms Turley, who led the fight to save the works, said Lord Heseltine’s visits to the region at least gave hope the sprawling steel site could be revived and deliver new jobs and investment to the area.

She told The Northern Echo: “I respect the way Lord Heseltine has stood by his principles and voted in what he believes to be the nation’s interest (on Brexit) regardless of his Party Whip.

“His sacking looks petulant and is frustrating for us on Teesside because of his role in its regeneration post-SSI.

“While I didn't agree with everything he has said in the past 18 months, he had promised the Government would fund the clean-up of the site and ensured Teesside was on the agenda.

“I hope the Government will stand by his promises to us and honour their commitment to help us rebuild after all the damage they have done.”

Sue Jeffrey, who is bidding to become Tees Valley’s Metro Mayor, echoed Ms Turley's call, saying the momentum mustn’t be allowed to stall.

She added: “I have worked closely with Lord Heseltine over the last 18 months both on the devolution deal and to secure a future for the SSI site.

“The fact we are about to launch the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside London is a huge step forward and very much part of his vision for the future.

“The crucial thing now is to make good his promise of ongoing Government support and investment and as Mayor that will be a key priority for me.”

Lord Heseltine was ousted by the Government earlier this week after he backed demands for a parliamentary vote on the final deal to be written into Brexit legislation.

Speaking last year about SSI, the former Conservative Deputy Prime Minister hinted at an “uncomfortable question” over the scale of the overhaul, saying the Government, which previously confirmed money would be available for site maintenance and a contamination survey, could not give a blank undertaking to meet costs.

He added: “What does the clean-up mean?

“Until you have found out what it means you can’t be precise.”