An East Lancashire MP has sparked widespread outrage after saying people who can’t afford their heating bills should ‘get a new job.’

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry made the comments appearing on Sky News this morning, where he also admitted being at a champagne reception with Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng hosted by party donors, including hedge fund managers.

This came after the Chancellor’s mini-budget, which has left British markets in turmoil.

Appearing on Sky News, Mr Berry said: “People know that when their bills arrive, they can either cut their consumption or they can get a higher salary, higher wages, go out there and get that new job.

“That’s the approach the government is taking so households can afford their bills.”

Mr Berry, who also serves as chair of the Conservative Party, went on to defend the government’s plan to cut public spending.

He added: “I think every household understands that actually the reason this government is going for growth is because when you are struggling with your household budget, as many households are, you need to grow your personal household budget.

“In many cases people’s pay packets, that’s why we’re going for growth, but you also need to manage your expenditure and I don't think it’s unreasonable for the government to say that the public sector should look at its expenses in the same way that every single household is doing in this country.”

Mr Berry has been MP for Rossendale and Darwen since 2010 and has previously served under David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson.

His comments come at a time when households across East Lancashire and beyond are facing huge pressures with the mounting cost-of-living crises and soaring fuel bills.

Addressing Mr Berry, Sky News’ Sophy Ridge said: “A lot of workers will find that very offensive, to be honest, you talk about entrepreneurs who are driving the economy but what about all the other people who also drive the economy?

“And we know, don’t we, from analysis, that it's also the people at the top the richest people who are going to benefit most from the budget that you have introduced.”

Mr Berry dismissed this as "complete and utter nonsense".