THE Merseyside MP in whose constituency Goodison Park is based last night publicly threw his weight behind Everton FC’s controversial move to a new stadium in Kirkby.

Walton Labour MP Peter Kilfoyle also made an outspoken attack on Liverpool city council for its “utter failure” to provide any alternatives for the Premiership club within the city itself.

It is the first time Mr Kilfoyle has explicitly stated he backs Everton’s move to Kirkby, as part of a £400m Tesco-led scheme which includes a new 50,000-seat stadium.

Previously, he has said the city council should make greater efforts to prevent Everton moving to Kirkby.

His latest comments were made to Baroness Andrews, the Parliamentary under-secretary state for communities and local government, in a letter reproduced in full on Everton FC’s official website last night.

Mr Kilfoyle urged Baroness Andrews not to “call in” the plans, necessitating a public inquiry which would delay the scheme by up to a year.

Knowsley council – the planning authority concerned – has previously said this could jeopardise or even kill off the whole project. Everton FC chief executive Keith Wyness has also admitted he is concerned about the effect of such an inquiry.

In his letter, Mr Kilfoyle said: “The bottom line is this. Everton's only option for a new stadium – and they desperately need one, given the age, capacity and condition of the current one – is the Tesco option in Kirkby.

“Despite a great deal of hot air, there is no viable assistance from Liverpool city council to assist Everton within their city boundaries.”

Mr Kilfoyle finishes by saying: “The club and Knowsley Council, together with Tesco, are well capable of making their own case for the proposal before you.

“What I wish to do – as an Everton supporter and as the club’s present Member of Parliament – is to make you aware that the city council’s political posturing is just that.

“Their negativity cannot disguise their utter failure to provide any alternatives for Everton FC within the city. If their humbug leads to this proposal being called in, it will do a disservice to the people of Walton as well as the people of Kirkby.”

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley last night hit back at Mr Kilfoyle’s comments, saying he was “completely misinformed.”

Cllr Paul Brant, deputy leader of the Labour group on the city council, added: “Peter Kilfoyle MP is entitled to his personal view. However, the Liverpool Labour councillors remain committed to keeping Everton in Liverpool, and will continue to do all we can to ensure that this historic club does not leave our city.”

alanweston