Calls for Gloucester MP Richard Graham to resign have been made after his controversial comments about foodbank users.
Yesterday, as Gloucester Foodbank revealed a startling 44 per cent rise in the number of people turning to it for help, Mr Graham said that foodbank users still wanted a mobile phone.
He added that many of those responsible for the rise were foreign nationals.
The comments sparked fury with many but Mr Graham hit back saying that people had 'distorted' his comments.
County councillor Barry Kirby (L, Grange and Kingsway) urged Mr Graham to resign. He said: "His comments are disgusting and he should have the good sense to realise that his position is untenable with those who rely on him to help them in their hour of need. In short, it is too dangerous for Gloucester residents to wait until 2015, he should leave now."
A motion is being tabled at the next full meeting of Gloucestershire County Council in which councillors will be asked to 'condemn' Mr Graham's comments.
More than 4,690 adults and children received emergency food and support from the city's foodbank in the last year.
A Gloucester teacher, who did not want to be named, said: "Mobile phones are crucial these days. It is often the only way we can communicate with the families of our most vulnerable children.
"Richard Graham's comments have made me so angry. We might not always have had mobile phones, but these days they are absolutely essential."
Mr Graham's rival and a former foodbank volunteer, Sophy Gardner, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Gloucester, waded into the debate. She said: "Many of the people I have met at foodbanks are desperate for work. Some I have met are in financial trouble because they are on zero hour contracts and then fall sick. With no income, they get into difficulty – and they are counted as 'employed' in terms of government statistics.
"Some have found work but lose their benefits weeks before they can hope to get their first pay check, so they're hungry before they even start their new jobs. These are people who need a mobile in order to work, and we have to understand that their chances of returning to employment rely on being contactable. Richard Graham's comments are out of touch with the reality of working in the 21st century."
Citizen readers had mixed reactions to the comments.
Helen Chaloner said: "It is impossible to be a jobseeker without a phone. Does the MP know that a pay as you go phone costs as little as £10?"
Liz Miller-Hall said: "Without a phone you can't contact utility companies, the job centre or access the food bank. Mobile phones are cheaper than house phones."
Naomi Bayle added: "Good for those people, why shouldn't they be allowed a phone? I would never judge anyone for using foodbanks as you never know what's around the corner. I have known people to use them after being made redundant."
But gloucestercitizen.co.uk user 'citon' said: "There is no excuse to be in 'poverty' in this country. Make some sensible choices and cut out frivolities until you can afford to fund them through work."
