“Any business that supports workers and helps with high street decline is a positive step in the right direction,” says local MP Henry Tufnell.

He is responding to a barrage of critical comments made following his visit to Domino’s in Haverfordwest, when the MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire posted photographs on social media with the following comment:

“A big thank you to Bradley and Reese for taking the time to show me around and share the incredible work they do. It’s inspiring to see local businesses thriving and providing great service to our community.”

The description of Domino’s as a “local business” attracted some harsh criticisms from Pembrokeshire residents, with some drawing a comparison with US President Elect Donald Trump’s contrived pre-election stint behind the counter at McDonalds in October.

More than one respondent described the post as “tone deaf” in the light of context of worries over Inheritance Tax, and small, independent, local, non-franchised businesses being hit by changes in Employers National Insurance Contributions.

“Have you heard of Top Joes Pizzeria and Gio Recchia Pizza Contemporanea? They are Pembs pizza companies,” one pointed out, while another commented: “But [Domino’s] pay their workers good wages right? Great terms and conditions? This post is next level out of touch!”

A representative of a local charity suggested the MP could have visited local community organisations, charities or food banks and small town businesses in the county, some whom are struggling - “just to see the wonderful work they all do.”

A look at the Labour MP’s itinerary over past weeks shows that he has indeed been engaging with a wide range of local organisations.

Henry Tufnell visited Saundersfoot CP School to talk about his role as an MP and to hear their thoughts and ideas.
Henry Tufnell visited Saundersfoot CP School recently to talk about his role as an MP and to hear their thoughts and ideas. “Their curiosity and enthusiasm about politics were truly inspiring,” said the MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire. “I’m thrilled to be planning a visit for the school to come and explore the House of Commons.” (Henry Tufnell / Facebook)

This autumn, Henry Tufnell has met with pupils at Saundersfoot CP School and has paid a visit to local children’s bereavement charity Sandy Bear. He’s produced a survey to garner views on how to improve healthcare access in Pembrokeshire. He has attended Remembrance ceremonies in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock and delivered a keynote speech on the impact of today’s economic challenges on mental health.

He has highlighted the issue of untreated sewage spilling into the River Cleddau, also meeting with Councillors Sam Skyrme-Blackhall and Duncan Whitehurst to discuss improvements to water quality across Tenby. He has toured the Energy Transition Skills Hub at Pembrokeshire College and visited Farms for City Children in St Davids.

“Domino’s locally is owned by a franchisee who owns a store in Haverfordwest, Neyland and Tenby,” says Tufnell, hitting back at those who criticised him for describing it as a local business.

“Domino’s owns a franchise model where individual franchisees own Domino’s stores under the large Domino’s Pizza Brand. This empowers entrepreneurs to manage their own business.

“The owner of these franchises employs local people in all-year-round employment and any business that supports workers and helps with high street decline is a positive step in the right direction.”

The Labour MP’s followers are now challenging him to visit small, independent businesses to understand how they can be better supported in the challenging times ahead.