Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has defended his decision to vote against an amendment that sought to improve dentistry care across the Island and the country.

Labour councillor, Richard Quigley, has accused the MP of prioritising his career over "the needs of Islanders".

But Mr Seely said the motion was part of a "political game" and Labour's plan was "unviable".

Put forward by Shadow Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, the amendment called on the government to provide an extra 700,000 urgent appointments a year.

Read more: Isle of Wight dental crisis worsens as Islanders dealt another blow

It also sought to introduce an incentive scheme to recruit new dentists to the areas most in need, and a targeted supervised toothbrushing scheme for three to five year-olds.

The vote comes at a time when the Island is facing a NHS dental crisis, with Islanders struggling to get appointments.

Last month, the County Press reported on changes at two MyDentist practices. One branch confirmed it was shutting and a second said it was going private. 

The Island MP was among the 296 MPs to have voted against Labour's motion on January 9.

Cllr Quigley said: "It will come as little surprise to anyone that Bob Seely has made a lot of noise about the issue, but when faced with the opportunity to do something about it, puts his career before the needs of Islanders.

"I've written to Bob to ask his reasons for depriving Islanders of access to an NHS dentist, hopefully he will have time to reply in between trying to strip the Sussexes of their royal titles."

Defending his decision, Mr Seely said Labour's motion was a "party-political stunt".

He said: "They do not have a viable plan to fund or deliver their motion.

“This is what is happening with dentistry on the Island:

“First, a temporary increase in NHS payments for Island dental practices has been put in place to increase NHS treatments on the Island.

“Second, the recommissioning of contracts with NHS dentists starts this month to increase NHS capacity on the Island.

“Third, starting by March at the latest, a mobile dental bus will come to the Island to treat those with the most urgent needs.

“These are real improvements rather than political games.

“In addition, the Government is bringing forward a plan for dentistry later this year."