Veteran Southport journalist says "Stop treating the people of Southport as idiots, Mr Moore"

Southport journalist Martin Hovden writes: If the Tory Party runs courses for its MPs on how to avoid answering questions, then Southport's Damien Moore is top of the class.

Last night, he had to vote on whether he had confidence in the Prime Minister.

Hours before he cast his vote, Mr Moore said he was aware of the hurt and anger caused by the actions of Boris Johnson among constituents and he welcomed the vote.

Despite all his words of condemnation of the PM, he didn't actually say how he would vote. However, he promised to publish an update after the result is announced.

Today he gave us an update. And yet again, he didn't tell us whether Mr Johnson retained his support.

Instead, he told us the vote (which Mr Johnson won by 211 votes to 148) has “helped to refocus the Prime Minister's mind of the big issues facing the country.”

This is just not good enough.

Mr Moore is paid £84,00 a year (plus, as he knows, generous expenses) to represent the people of Southport in the House of Commons.

Last night's vote was the most important in recent years, revolving around the honesty, integrity and transparency of our Prime Minister.

By not telling us - his constituents - how he voted, Mr Moore is trying to have it all ways.

His mock outrage at the antics of Boris Johnson is disgraceful. As is his patronising and insulting response to last night's vote.

If you wish to retain any credibility or respect in the town, Mr Moore, tell us how you voted.

A simple yes or no to the question will suffice.