A CONSERVATIVE by-election candidate has accused Barrow Council of working for its “friends” after the local Labour Party was awarded a £10,000 grant through the Covid-19 business support programme.

Ann Thomson, leader of the Labour-led council, has explained that the body “had no discretion” in awarding each of their grants.

Paul Lister said: "The reason that they had money returned by the council was due to the ridiculous criteria set by your Tory government. The criteria set excluded many businesses from applying and many that did apply were turned down when council officers had to explain to them that did not qualify as they didn't match the criteria set by the Tory government in order to receive the grants. Don’t even get me started on the 3 million in this country that the Tory government totally excluded from receiving any support at all. They did however look after their "friends " when it came to giving out PPE contracts."

Ryan Lips said: "The Tories want to explain how their policy of levelling up means their former leader tried to make 21 million by him contacting his former assistants to get the taxpayer to bank roll a failing company. Johnson can order an inquiry."

Norma Nathans said: "Barrow Council not answering the question again? Why did they take £10,000 while other businesses struggle? Very quick to condemn the Tories for dishing out contracts to their mates and I guess just as quick to do it for themselves."

Dean Jones said: "These two will fit in well if elected, already lying and spreading fake news. I see they aren't bothered that other people have taken £10k to work at home on top of this thousand in expenses and £80k job. The Conservatives are becoming an embarrassment."

Max Gibson said: "So the Tories are outraged about £10k of grant money that they were entitled to? But they aren't outraged about the billions of pounds given to Boris's mates for non-existent PPE? It is such a sham all of it."