DURHAM's MP claims she has been snubbed by the city council because she was not invited to tonight's State of the City debate.

Roberta Blackman-Woods, who retained the seat for Labour in May's elections following the retirement of Gerry Steinberg, accused the ruling Liberal Democrat group on the council of playing politics.

The annual event, at 7pm, in the Gala Theatre, is this year giving people a chance to say what they think about the city's future development as part of the 2020 Vision consultation

The MP said: "I am puzzled as to why the city council have chosen not to invite me as the MP to take part in the State of the City debate.

"I am willing to work with all bodies, including the city council, for the good of the people we represent.

"I am sure that residents will agree with me that the MP not being invited to such a consultation exercise is a little odd.''

She added that she would be in Westminster on constituency business and was looking forward to receiving reports of the debate.

But council leader Councillor Fraser Reynolds said: "We never used to invite Gerry Steinberg.

"It's a consultation exercise to get the public to come along and have their say. It is her that is playing politics, not us. In future if she wants to come along she will be welcome. It is open to all.''