MP for Ealing Central and Acton Angie Bray has said Labour's pink bus, which stopped in Ealing last week, is patronising to women.

Labour’s Woman to Woman campaign stopped off at Ealing Hospital on March 4 to protest against the planned closure of the maternity unit, with the party's Parliamentary Candidate for Ealing Central and Acton, Rupa Huq, as part of the demonstration.

When asked if she was concerned this move could pick up female voters for her rival, Ms Bray said: "I am sure that like everyone participating in the forthcoming election, Rupa Huq will be seeking to win over voters, including of course all the many women in the constituency.

"She has highlighted the future of maternity services at Ealing Hospital. Obviously this will be an important issue for some constituents although I believe that the expansion of maternity provision at Queen Charlotte's Hospital will be a popular development as I am well aware that this is the number one choice of hospital for many in Ealing Central and Acton.

"Meanwhile, I have been working to help Ealing Mums in Business which provides an essential support service for many young women who have decided to combine family life with a business career.

"The Government is introducing a number of helpful measures including extending tax free child care to those who are self-employed.

"As for the pink bus which arrived in Ealing, I personally find it rather patronising to women, especially its barbie doll colour.

"I think women are interested in all the major issues and I don't think they need a pink bus to discuss all the concerns that affect not only them but their families, their communities and their livelihoods."