The MP for Bury St Edmunds says she “profoundly disagrees” with the views expressed by Norman Tebbit after the Tory peer said he would boycott services conducted by a gay dean.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lord Tebbit has sparked outrage with his comments that he will not attend services conducted by a gay dean. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTLord Tebbit has sparked outrage with his comments that he will not attend services conducted by a gay dean. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Jo Churchill said she wants to welcome Reverend Canon Joe Hawes to the town’s cathedral “on behalf of the whole of Bury St Edmunds”.

Lord Tebbit, 87, sparked controversy at the weekend by saying he will no longer visit the cathedral for services conducted by the reverend, who he labelled a “sodomite”.

Canon Hawes is set to be installed as dean at a service at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral on Saturday, July 14.

Mrs Churchill said: “We live in a tolerant society and, with respect, I profoundly disagree with the views expressed by Lord Tebbit.

“On behalf of the whole of Bury St Edmunds I want to welcome The Reverend Canon Joe Hawes to our wonderful cathedral and community and I look forward to working with him.”