A PARLIAMENTARY candidate for Rossendale has been slammed for describing his Valley duties as a “pastime.”

Dale Mulgrew, prospective Lib Dem MP for Rossendale and Darwen, caused controversy after comments he made on accepting his new job as deputy leader of Rochdale council.

During an interview, Dale was reported as saying: "I hope that the Liberal Democrats have success everywhere but my priority is for success in Rochdale.

“My priority is for the Liberal Democrats of Rochdale."

He went on to say that he would have to: “Think long and hard about whether or not he could continue in both roles” and saw his role in Rossendale as more of a “pastime”.

When contacted by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mr Mulgrew said he did not want to comment on his remarks, but did admit to making them after his appointment as deputy leader of Rochdale council.

Dale, son of comedian Jimmy Cricket, was criticised by Rossendale MP Janet Anderson and prospective MP Jake Berry, who both accused him of taking his responsibility in the Valley too lightly.

Mrs Anderson said: “It’s a very strange thing for a parliamentary candidate to say.

“If I were the Liberal Democrats in Rossendale and Darwen, I would be looking for a replacement to show more commitment to the constituents.”

Conservative MP hopeful Mr Berry said: "This just shows that the Lib Dems really don't care about Rossendale or Darwen.

“The choice at the next election is between the Labour MP, or myself, the local conservative candidate.

“The Lib Dems are a poor third and can't win here.

“To be selected to fight for the people of Rossendale and Darwen in the election is an honour.”