A PETITION protesting the knighthood of a local MP has been set up online and signed by more than 500 people.

The campaign by Poole Labour Party follows the announcement that Robert Syms MP has received a knighthood for public and political services, including work on the High Speed Two bill.

The online petition, titled “Say No to Knighthood - Robert Syms Tory MP”, was set up just hours after news of the appointment for the Conservative politician and had received more than 200 signatures within the first 24 hours.

Katie Taylor, chair of Poole Labour, said she was shocked when she discovered the MP for Poole had been given the honour following an announcement from Downing Street.

“We feel in Poole Labour that he has not represented his constituency,” she said.

“As an MP you do have national responsibilities and we understand this, but he has not been there to support the people of Poole.

“We would much rather see the hard working people in the town rewarded.

“Those who work tirelessly in the NHS, the incredible people at the maternity unit and people who help the homeless community.

“He has dealt with HS2 petitions, now he will have to deal with this one.”

Sir Robert has been MP for Poole since 1997 and he retained the seat in this year’s snap General Election with 57.9 percent of the vote - a 28.5 percent majority.

Before claiming the seat 20 years ago, he served as a councillor in Wiltshire.

Ms Taylor, who polled second in June’s election with 29.4 percent, said incidents referred to on the petition page, including the ‘d**k’ response to a man on Twitter, a £2,000 expenses claim for furniture and most recently the MP’s alleged lack of support to help save Poole hospital A&E and Maternity Unit, were examples of Poole Labour’s opposition to the knighthood.

“There was a petition with more than 75,000 signatures as well as a consultation document which showed that they didn’t want Poole A&E to close or shut down,” Ms Taylor added.

“The issue had clear support from throughout the town, but Robert Syms was nowhere to be seen to try prevent the closure.”

The Echo has tried to contact Sir Robert for comment but received no response.