CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Ealing Hospital have slammed a parliamentary candidate for Southall after he refused to attend a public meeting.
Virendra Sharma, hoping to be elected as Labour MP for Ealing Southall, was invited to attend the meeting about the hospital's A&E ward, which is under threat of closure.
But 30 minutes into the Wednesday night meeting, people were told that he would not attend as he refused to share a platform with Tory hopeful Gurcharan Singh.
Colin Standfield, who chaired the meeting, said: "The message this sent to his constituency was that of someone out of touch and complacent about their vote who was not able to put his concerns about the hospital's future above his own petty party politics."
Local resident Jenny Vaughan said she was 'disgusted' at Mr Sharma's no-show, particularly as he had known about the meeting weeks in advance.
About 100 people attended the meeting in Dormers Wells Lane, Southall, where questions were put to health professionals about the hospital's future.
Mr Singh said: "All I can say is that I am saddened.
"I know for a fact that Mr Sharma was talking on Punjab radio about how he is committed to the NHS but he can't even be both-ered to turn up to a meeting about the hospital."
Nigel Bakhai, candidate for the Lib Dems, said: "Actions speak louder than words. It's my number one priority to fight for Ealing Hospital and I would have expected Mr Sharma to do the same.
"I think he's being arrogant and taking people's votes for granted and that is shown by his reluctance to turn up to debates.
Mr Sharma said: "I wrote a letter to Tory leader David Cameron calling on him to withdraw his endorsement of Councillor Singh as candidate because of his total unsuitability.
"Unfortunately this meant I was unable to attend the meeting. I provided a written statement reiterating my total support for the Save Our Services Campaign for Ealing Hospital and outlining the many actions I have taken to protect acute services there.
"I am happy to meet with any constituent to discuss the issue and let them know what I am doing to protect services at Ealing Hospital."
