Local Liberal Democrats have urged Kenilworth's MP to back calls for a rural fuel duty cut to ease the pressure caused by soaring fuel prices.

Jenny Wilkinson, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Kenilworth and Southam, has urged Sir Jeremy Wright to support a motion to double rural duty rate relief to 10p and expand the scheme to cover areas like Kenilworth.

The motion was tabled by new MP for Tiverton and Honiton Richard Foord following his by-election victory last month.

The June 23 vote overturned the biggest majority ever in a by-election.

And combined with the party's plans to slash VAT to 17.5 per cent, Mrs Wilkinson said the fuel duty cut would save a typical driver in Kenilworth and Southam £7.60 every time they fill up their car, or almost £200 a year for those who fill up their car twice a month.

She has called on the Tory MP to put party politics aside and sign the motion to "support the thousands of families in the constituency struggling with the cost of living".

The 49-year-old chartered accountant said: "Rural communities around Kenilworth and Southam are being failed by the Conservatives and their inaction on the cost-of-living crisis.

"I urge Sir Jeremy to back this motion. Kenilworth and Southam's residents need some relief from skyrocketing fuel costs, and this is the easiest way to help them. If they refuse to back our calls it'll be yet another sign that the Conservatives are taking rural communities like ours for granted."

Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord said: "In rural areas cars are essential - we can't just hop on the tube to get to work or see loved ones. But while people are struggling with the rising cost of fuel, the Government has failed to act to shield families from soaring prices at the pump.

"That's why I've tabled a motion in Parliament, calling for urgent action to cut the cost of fuel in rural communities. This would immediately cut 10p off the price of fuel and offer immediate relief to those struggling.

"I'm also calling on fellow MPs across the country to join me in the campaign to cut fuel duty for rural communities because it's the right thing to do for those we represent. I'm hoping they'll be able to put politics aside and support this cross-party effort."