An internal audit found Thetford Town Council - which counts Terry Jermy, the local Labour MP, among its members - has "excessively low balances" and urged it to reassess its investments.

The council has been under fierce criticism from locals for several months over the handling of its finances after it unanimously voted to declare a "climate emergency" and commit £30,000 of its funds to combat the issue.

The revelations about its finances are likely to be deeply embarrassing not only to the authority - which covers one of Norfolk's largest towns - but also to Mr Jermy personally.

The MP - who rebelled against his party's welfare reforms this week - defeated Liz Truss at last year's general election after campaigning against what he described as her "appalling" handling of the UK finances during her brief period as prime minister.

Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk (Image: Terry Jermy) The audit report will be seized upon by critics angered at the climate change spending, agreed unanimously by members in February 2024.

They claim it is a poor use of resources for a town council.

The authority, which represents the 25,000........

© Eastern Daily Press