STROUD MP Neil Carmichael has been criticised by pub campaigners.

Members of the Stroud Campaign for Real Ale group were left furious after Mr Carmichael voted against legislation aimed at protecting tenant landlords – after telling them he would back it.

Tim Mars, of Camra, said members were pleased when Mr Carmichael said he would support a new clause in the Small Business Bill which promised to give more freedoms to pub landlords.

However, when it came to the vote in the House of Commons last week Mr Carmichael voted the other way.

“The issue here is not that Neil voted against the clause, it’s the fact that he appears to have deliberately attempted to hoodwink his constituents,” said Mr Mars.

Mr Carmichael said that because of the public nature of his job he was unable to ‘hoodwink’ anyone. “I had to take the good points made during a lengthy debate into account when voting,” he said.