A MAYOR has hit back over criticism that he is currently on a family holiday in Majorca.

Middlesbrough mayor, Andy Preston hit back with a video he posted to his Facebook page 'Tees Issues'.

On the post Mr Preston said: "I NEVER Stop Working For Middlesbrough - No Matter Where I Am.

"I’ve rarely been so angry in my life as I am at this latest horrible attack on my good name and my family’s welfare.

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"Councillors in charge of Middlesbrough Independent Labour Group (MIG) and Middlesbrough Labour have criticised me for being on holiday with with my family in Mallorca - or “my jollies” as they so nicely put it.

"Let’s be clear - this nonsense comes from two people who want my job, are desperate for the salary but wouldn’t be prepared to put half the hours in that I do."

This comes after the Middlesbrough Independent Group said on Facebook that the 'mayor's hypocrisy knows no limits' after it appears he is abroad in Spain while 'the Covid pandemic soars in Middlesbrough'.

The post said: "Despite Middlesbrough experiencing the highest rates of Covid since the pandemic started, seeing hospitalisations rocketing, it seems the mayor's hypocrisy knows no limits, as he jets off to Mallorca.

"‘Do as I say, not as I do‘ comes to mind!

"One minute he is calling for people “not to take risks” publicly criticising “Covid deniers” and ridiculing people across the town.

"Then, all of a sudden he is cancelling critical council business affecting vulnerable adults to allow him to take an unnecessary trip abroad.

"Worryingly, it was an executive decision making meeting he is responsible for delivering this week he cancelled, a meeting scheduled to directly impact Adult Social care.

"Not only that, there are significant health concerns in Mallorca and Covid rates are extremely high, hospital admissions are very high, with the country needing to take extra measures to manage their own Covid difficulties."

Mr Preston said that one of his family members 'is very ill and recovering from a transplant and life-saving treatment.'

He went on to say: "For the record, I AM allowed a break, just like anyone else - but I never actually stop working.

I’m angry that anyone would accuse me of being on a beach. I’ve come over here so I can spend the evenings with my wife and boys who rarely to get to see me at home because of the long unsociable hours I put in.

"Anyone who knows me knows what long hours I work - first thing in the morning, last thing at night, weekends, bank holidays, it doesn’t matter - I’m always working hard for Middlesbrough.

"I don’t want or expect sympathy - that’s just the facts and I’m doing a job I’m passionate about."

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