A STRETTON resident has branded as unsatisfactory' Warrington South MP Helen Southworth's answers to an enquiry he made about politicians employing family members.

Wayne Blow says it took almost a week and several e-mails and calls to Mrs Southworth's London and constituency offices before he got a one-line letter confirming that none of her relatives worked for her.

The 47-year-old wanted to know his Labour MP's views following the furore surrounding disgraced Conservative Derek Conway, who paid his sons £20,000 of taxpayers' money to do research' work for him.

"I e-mailed her last Monday and followed it up with another saying I'd be grateful if her office would at least confirm its receipt but again I got silence," Mr Blow said.

"I wanted to know if she employed any family members and also if she thought Derek Conway should be prosecuted by the police for his actions.

"And I asked if she thought it was right that the Government should go back on its promise for a referendum on Europe."

Mr Blow said his enquiry was sparked by the interest shown by his 18-year-old nephew, Steven's interest in politics.

But after receiving a House of Commons-headed letter from Mrs Southworth that Mr Blow says did not satisfactorily answer his questions, he complained again and received the terse, one-line reply.

He now says his unhappiness with the response - which largely quoted parliamentary rulings and procedure rather than Mrs Southworth's own views - will prompt him to change who he votes for.

A spokesman for Mrs Southworth, who was not available to speak to the Warrington Guardian, confirmed that no family members were employed by her.

They added: "Helen feels the real issue is whether family members do the work they are paid to do. In Derek Conway's case it appears his sons didn't."